Willy Syben started Douglas Villa’s comeback in their 3-2 win over Waterside Karori on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
JOHN LAZO-RON
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Douglas Villa Magpies 3
Waterside Karori Magpies 2
Douglas Villa Magpies overcame a tentative start to take a crucial 3-2 victory over bogey side Waterside Karori Magpies in a Capital division three match at Memorial Park on Saturday.
Douglas Villa have not beaten Waterside Karori Magpies in three matches over the previous two seasons, and the win sent them into second place on 20 points, trailing leaders Petone Thirds by five points.
A lapse of concentration from Douglas Villa’s defence led to Karori scoring against the run of play in the 20th minute.
However, Douglas Villa pinged one back 10 minutes later through Willy Syben, to draw level, setting the stage for the home team to dominate the rest of the half. Frustratingly, they could not add to the scoresheet.
The Masterton club’s strong forward push into Karori’s box finally paid off 20 minutes into the second half. Josh McMenamin capitalised on a goalkeeper error, sending the ball through his legs and into the net for a 2-1 lead.
Seule Soromon scored Douglas Villa’s third goal shortly afterwards, which looked to put the game to bed.
But the visitors caused a late scare – missing a penalty in the 55th minute – before scoring a late consolation goal.
Villa coach Malcolm Cox said it was an outstanding team performance despite the atrocious conditions but lamented crucial mistakes that let them down at times.
“We dominated most of the game with some good football, but there were some decision-making errors that needs to be addressed, he said.
“But on the whole, it was a good win.”
After 10 matches, Cox said the season looked promising as Douglas Villa were eyeing promotion into division two.
“At this stage, everything’s looking quite good,” he said.
“We’ve recently played two home games, and we’ve had two wins, so that’s put us in a good place. Now, that just needs to be kept on top of.”
Douglas Villa have a home game on Saturday against Island Bay United Kina.
HAT-TRICK HERO
Capital Division Four
Greytown 3
Western Suburbs Red 0
Striker Jarrod MacDonald notched a first-half hat-trick to steer Fresh Choice Greytown to a first away win of the season over Western Suburbs Red on Saturday in a Capital division four fixture.
After a less-than-impressive start to life in division four, Greytown have won four of their past five games.
Saturday’s win provided them with their first clean sheet and first away points.
Greytown are now sixth, only four points off leaders Stop Out Steamers, who are their next opponents at Hutt Park Raceway on Saturday.
Greytown was immediately on the front foot against their hosts at Endeavour Park, Whitby, when MacDonald scored within 10 minutes in wet and cold conditions.
MacDonald struck 10 minutes later and again just before the break to score his ninth goal in just four games since returning to the club.
Western Suburbs came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, causing Greytown keeper Gary Hewson to make a couple of saves.
However, he barely had to get into the game with Greytown’s dominance over the rest of the match.
New coach James Smith has the side playing a lot more disciplined football in the short time he’s been in charge, and with two wins from two, he was very keen to close the gap on the top sides in the league.
