A vital 2-0 victory over Hawke’s Bay United lifted Team Wellington off the bottom of the competition. Wellington’s first win of the season saw the capital-based club swap places in the table with Waikato FC on goal difference.
Auckland City remains top of the table despite not playing and now leads Waitakere by just a single point after four matches. Auckland’s next NZFC match is not until 20 December a home match with YoungHeart Manawatu because of the club’s FIFA Club World Cup schedule – that could see the Waitakere move above their rivals if they can defeat Team Wellington in the next round of matches.
Waitakere kept the pressure up on Auckland after a hard-fought come from behind victory in Dunedin. Otago United’s Dave Dugdale broke the deadlock just five minutes into the first half but Benjamin Totori caught Otago’s defence out to level the scores on twelve minutes.
Dan Ede had the ball in the net for Otago in the 65th minute but his effort was disallowed for offside. Brent Fisher made it 2-1 with a 79th minute close range finish to hand maximum points to the visitors.
In Palmerston North, YoungHeart Manawatu and Canterbury United produced an exciting 0-0 draw that left both teams frustrated. Manawatu strikers Des Fa’aiuaso and Seule Soromon missed gilt-edged chances to give the home side victory.
YoungHeart Manawatu goalkeeper Ross Nicholson was in good form and denied efforts from Canterbury pair Tom Lancaster and Aaron Clapham. Canterbury’s frustration was evident as referee Matthew Conger issued four yellow cards to the visitors and two to the hosts in a physical but entertaining match.
In Napier, Darren Cheriton and substitute Richard McLay scored their first goals of the season as Team Wellington recorded a 2-0 win over Hawke’s Bay United – a win that lifts them off the bottom of the table after three consecutive defeats.
Hawke’s Bay United’s defeat leaves them in sixth place level on points with Otago United with a minus three goal difference.
Next week, bottom-placed Waikato FC hosts Otago United at Ngaruawahia, while Team Wellington head north with renewed confidence to meet Waitakere United, while YoungHeart Manawatu entertain Hawke’s Bay United in a local derby in Palmerston North.
Auckland City face Al Ahli in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 on Wednesday 9 December.
RESULTS
Sunday
Hawke’s Bay United 0
Team Wellington 2 (Darren Cheriton 70’, Richard McLay 88’)
Halftime: 0-0
YoungHeart Manawatu 0
Canterbury United 0
Halftime: 0-0
Otago United 1 (Dave Dugdale 5’)
Waitakere United 2 (Benjamin Totori 12’, Brent Fisher 79’)
Halftime: 1-1
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
For the latest results visit www.NZFC.co.nz