Wairarapa United goalkeeper Scott Morris making one of many saves against Wellington Olympic in a Central League match in Masterton on Saturday. United lost 2-4. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
FOOTBALL
JAKE BELESKI
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Wairarapa United men’s coach Phil Keinzley had no complaints after his side slumped to a third straight Central League defeat on Saturday afternoon.
United led 2-1 at halftime over Wellington Olympic at Memorial Park in Masterton, but Olympic found their range in the second half and went on to win 4-2.
Keinzley said it was the first time this season he could say they were clearly beaten by the better side.
“They really took the game to us in the first 10 minutes.
“We scored a couple of really good goals in the first half through Brian Kaltack and Hamish Watson, but our midfield just couldn’t keep up with theirs in the second half.”
Olympic had opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Gianni Bouzoukis, but United hit back when Kaltack pounced on a perfectly-placed corner.
Watson struck just before halftime to give United their first lead of the match, but they failed to run with the momentum as Olympic capitalised in the second half.
Their equaliser came from Mario Barcia in the 67th minute, and they added another four minutes later through a penalty to Gavin Hoy.
The game was put out of reach for United in the 87th minute when Olympic added their fourth.
Keinzley said the score could have been worse for his side had it not been for some quality saves from goalkeeper Scott Morris and defender Liam Heard, and hinted there could be changes to his side for today’s
Women continue winning streak
United extended their Capital Football W-League winning streak to three matches on Saturday when they beat Upper Hutt City Football 1-0 at Memorial Park in Masterton.
Striker Anna McPhie opened the scoring for United in the 24th minute, and that proved to be the decisive goal of the match.
Both teams had chances in the second half, but United held firm to claim their fifth win from seven matches.
Players of the match for United were Amber Phillips and Courtney Norman.
United are five points behind league leaders Wellington United Diamonds and six points clear of third-placed Upper Hutt.
