Brittney McGruddy scored one of Wairarapa United’s three goals in their win over Wellington United Opals. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Wairarapa United 3
Wellington United Opals 0
Tumu Wairarapa United have a four-point lead in the Wellington Women’s Division One Championship after a convincing 3-0 win over the strong Wellington United Opals on Sunday.
Goals to Romy Ifill, Brittney McGruddy, and Annie Jones sealed United’s win at Trust House Memorial Park, stretching their unbeaten run to five games.
United coach Radha McGlashan said it was very willing and competitive game.
“Wellington United was definitely a tough side, and very experienced, but the girls’ determination and team work definitely proved we wanted it more,” said McGlashan
“The girls are really starting to come together, and we’re playing our game which is great to see.”
United have scored 22 goals and are yet to concede a goal in their five games.
Their next outing is on Sunday at home to the struggling Wellington United Emeralds who have yet to win in the league.
Petone Thirds 2
Douglas Villa Magpies 1
Douglas Villa Magpies remain winless in Capital Division Two, although the team turned in one of their best efforts of the season in going down to high-flyers Petone at Petone Memorial Park.
The team overcame a disruptive week with Douglas Villa replacing coach Malcolm Cox with Nathan Cottle as interim coach until a replacement coach can be found.
“It was a good performance, and one of the best of the season so far against a good physical strong side,” Cottle said.
“We stood up and were a bit unlucky but at the end of the day we are getting closer.”
The home side took control of the game with a penalty after six minutes and doubled the lead midway through the second stanza with a screamer from about 30m.
Some outstanding goalkeeping by Jared Watt kept Magpies in the game. They eventually closed the score to 2-1 with 17 minutes to play with a penalty to Kurtis Paine, but despite pushing hard, the visitors couldn’t come up with an equaliser.
“There was still plenty of time, but we just lacked that last pass,” said Cottle.
New recruit Chris Cox was outstanding for the Magpies, firstly in central defence, and then in midfield in the second half.
The next two weekends are vital for Magpies with games against fellow strugglers Upper Hutt City [at home] and Waikanae [away].
“This week and next week we’ve targeted getting two wins. If we can get two wins there that gets us out of relegation zone and gets you breathing and relaxing space.”
