Jarrod MacDonald scored both of Greytown’s goals in their win over Marist Reserves. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Douglas Villa Magpies 1
Tawa Reserves 4
Douglas Villa Magpies have slipped back into the relegation zone in Capital Division Two with a loss to second-placed Tawa Reserves at home on Saturday.
There is, however, little covering the teams, with three points separating fourth-placed Seatoun Reserves, and Magpies in ninth spot.
Magpies started the better against Tawa, taking the lead with a Willy Syben goal after four minutes, and going on to dominate much of the first 45 minutes.
“We could have been 3-0 up in the first 25 minutes but their goalkeeper made a couple of wicked saves, and they clawed one back before halftime,” manager Nathan Cottle said.
“At the end of the day, probably not taking our chances cost us, but it was a good positive performance against the second team on the table.
“We feel like the first half was some of the better footy we’ve played all year and if can do that for 90 we’ll be good to go.”
Cottle said defenders Josh Greig, who was man of the match, and Mark Sprowson had strong games, as did Andrew Cox in midfield.
Magpies face a stern challenge this Saturday, away to leaders Petone Reserves, before a run of four games against mid and lower table teams.
“It’s a big one because Petone are going real well, so we’ll do our best over there but we’ve got the other teams in and around us over the following four weeks and those four games are going to be crucial.
“We’re confident that if we can keep the same team together, we’ll have enough.”
Marist Reserves 0
Greytown 2
Greytown Fresh Choice enhanced their promotion prospects from Capital Division Four with a vital away win over in-form Marist Reserves on Saturday.
A goal in each half to Jarrod MacDonald, the first in the fourth minute, and the second from the penalty spot after 60 minutes, secured the three points at Kilbirnie Park.
Coach Gary Hewson felt it was the team’s most complete performance of the season, with the defensive effort and the player’s mindset in the second half the most pleasing aspects.
“It was great to have a clean sheet. They’re a tough side and they came at us right from the beginning so from that perspective there was a little bit more physicality from some of our younger players and that helped.
“There was some really nice football, but we’re just adding some defensive toughness to our play now. At times we’ve had some really good first halves but haven’t continued into that second half, and there was a lot more resilience.”
Left wing Kaspar Szikszai was named player of the match for his strong performance, while Ryan Butler and Taylor Harvey also stood out.
The win moved Greytown to second place with a game in hand over the chasing teams. Greytown are at home to Western Suburbs this Saturday.
Masterton Athletic 3
Kapiti Coast United 0
There was disappointment for Progressive Engineering Masterton Athletic, with Kapiti Coast defaulting their scheduled match at Hullena Park on Saturday.
The three points lifted Athletic to seventh in Capital Division Four, five points clear of the relegation zone. Athletic are away this Saturday to runaway leaders Wellington United Reserves.
Upper Hutt City 0
Wairarapa United 2
Tumu Wairarapa United kicked off the second round of the Wellington Women’s Division One Championship with a 2-0 away win over Upper Hutt City, stretching their unbeaten run to 10 games.
United next play Seatoun at Memorial Park on Sunday at 1pm.
