Dylan Cottle scored two second half goals. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Douglas Villa Magpies 3
Miramar Rangers 1
Douglas Villa Magpies made the most of a one-man advantage to maintain their perfect start to Capital Division Three with a 3-1 victory at home to Miramar Rangers on Saturday.
The visitors made the early running and made the Magpies pay for some sloppy marking at a free kick to take the lead. They had the chance to go 2-0 up, only to be denied by an outstanding diving save by stand-in goalkeeper Tremaine Rimene-Albrett.
Josh McMenamin evened the scores shortly afterwards from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box.
That was followed by the first of the game’s three red cards, with a Miramar player sent from the field just before halftime.
The Magpies took full advantage with midfielder Dylan Cottle making up for missing a sitter in the first half, with two quick goals to give the home side a commanding lead.
The drama didn’t stop there, with a second Miramar player sent off with 15 minutes to play. He was joined by Magpie Kurtis Paine for retaliation.
Magpies coach Malcolm Cox was pleased with the result, which has the team in a share of the lead.
“We’re playing some decent football, and we’re plugging away at it, but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves.”
He said hard-working midfielder Jamie McMaster was man of the match, while McMenamin impressed in his 60 minutes on the field in his first game since recovering from illness.
The Magpies will play Island Bay Kinas away on Saturday, and Cox is confident the team can build on their positive start to the season.
Victoria University Raiders 4
Greytown 2
Greytown Fresh Choice gave up a halftime lead to fall to a 2-4 defeat to Victoria University Raiders in a Capital Division clash at Kelburn Park on Saturday.
Goals from man of the match Daniel Frischknecht and Jack Braybrook gave Greytown a 2-1 lead at the break.
Greytown had a host of chances but couldn’t control the game enough to make the necessary breakthroughs and conceded goals at crucial times.
Greytown will need to sharpen up at the top end of the field if they’re to climb the table and it’s hoped the return of striker Steve Fennell will assist this weekend with two massive games across the long weekend.
On Saturday, Greytown host Stop Out Steamers, with the big local derby Chatham Cup fixture against Douglas Villa Magpies on Monday.
