Waitakere United forward Allan Pearce hit a brace to go alongside a Roy Krishna strike and seal a 3-1 win over Hawke’s Bay United at Park Island on Sunday. The win is the defending champions’ their second ASB Premiership win on the trot.
It was a tough start for Hawke’s Bay, who fell behind to a Pearce goal after just two minutes. Krishna doubled the visitor’s lead on 17 minutes before Pearce stretched the lead to three just two minutes into the second half.
Striker Leon Birnie pulled one back for the hosts after he finished from close range following a cross from Andy Bevin for his 29th ASB Premiership career goal in 60 appearances.
But Waitakere held on to wrap up all three points and the West Aucklanders have now won their first three competitive matches in all competitions since the start of the season.
Team Wellington pushed Auckland City all the way in a tense encounter at David Farrington Park in the capital. Goalkeeper Phil Imray was the hero after saving a Daniel Koprivcic spot kick to keep the scores level.
The first half was an evenly matched affair but the balance appeared to tip in Auckland’s favour when Team Wellington captain Karl Whalen brought down Adam Thomas on 69 minutes and referee Nick Waldron pointed to the spot.
But Koprivcic, who struck from the penalty spot during the 3-2 opening day win against Waikato FC, could only watch as his kick was saved by Imray’s legs.

City finally had the ball in the net in the final minute but Stu Kelly’s effort was disallowed for offside.
Auckland’s All White midfielder David Mulligan is disappointed with the result.
“Wellington are always good at keeping possession, we worked hard all week on closing them down, because they are good with the ball,” he said.
“Possession might have been quite even but we were ahead of them shot-wise. Give it six months or so and you’ll see a better kind of display from us. We’ll finish those chances.”
This week’s ASB Premiership fixtures feature two derby matches, Auckland City hosting arch rivals Waitakere United at Kiwitea Street and YoungHeart Manawatu taking on Hawke’s Bay in Palmerston North. Otago United entertain Waikato FC in Dunedin and Team Wellington welcome Canterbury United.
Story and photo courtesy of New Zealand Football.
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