Jonty Roubos scored two first-half goals in Wairarapa United’s win over North Wellington. PHOTOS/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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North Wellington 3
Wairarapa United 4
Trust House Wairarapa United scored their first away win of the Central league season, but it didn’t come without its late dramas.
Not for the first time this season, United fell behind to an early goal, this time after 30 seconds when Gavin Hoy found the back of the net.
Apart from the first 10 minutes, United controlled most of the first half. Their dominance led to two outstanding goals to talented teenage midfielder Jonty Roubos in the 14th and 38th minutes, for a 2-1 lead at the break.
The cushion was three goals within the first eight minutes of the second half, when Jared Cunniff scored from the penalty spot for his 12th goal of the league, followed by Cameron Lindsay.
That should have set the stage for a comfortable victory, but the spectre of conceding soft goals came back to haunt United within one minute of Lindsay’s goal when Jesse Randall made United pay for some sloppy defending. A beautifully struck free-kick by Hoy them narrowed the gap to one goal with 25 minutes to play.
United spent much of the remainder of the match defending. Their cause wasn’t helped with the loss of influential midfielder Hugo Delhommelle, who was forced from the field after being felled in a heavy tackle.
United coach Phil Keinzley praised the spirit shown by his team but said they make it hard for themselves.
“We’re still conceding these soft goals though and that’s frustrating, but the win is good for our confidence,” he said.
“According to [club statistician] Rob Duncan, it’s the first time ever we have won at North Wellington.”
The win keeps United in fourth place at the halfway stage of the Central League, and on target for a place in the new National Championship.
