Gorgi van Lienen was outstanding in Wairarapa United’s big win. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
Seatoun 1 Wairarapa United 7
CHRIS COGDALE
[email protected]
Tumu ITM Wairarapa United found their goal scoring mojo in an outstanding 7-1 defeat away to Seatoun on Saturday.
United had struggled to find the back of the net in an unconvincing 1-1 draw with Seatoun three weeks ago, but they made amends in convincing style.
United took the lead after 30 minutes only for Seatoun to hit back almost immediately from a break away.
Two goals, including one on the stroke of halftime, gave United a handy 3-1 advantage at the break.
Coach Paul Ifill adopted a new 3-5-2 formation for the game and he said the girls really took to it and it paid off in the wide positions with Tui Dugan and Gorgi van Lienen relishing the extra space.
United scored again early in the second half and controlled the game from there, which also gave Ifill the chance to give his bench players a run, including St Matthew’s goalkeeper Olivia Clark, who came on to make her W-League debut.
Striker Sam Whyte bagged a hat-trick, while van Lienen, Sydnie Williams, Kennedy Bryant also scored, and there was an own goal.
The win moved United to seven points behind Wellington United Diamonds and Palmerston North Marist, and has kept alive their slim chances of challenging for the league title.
