Josh McMenamin, right, returned after being out with injury. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Prolific goal-scorer Josh McMenamin made an immediate impact for GasPro Douglas Villa on Saturday in their 2-0 win over Island Bay at Wakefield Park in Capital Football division four.
McMenamin was sidelined for several weeks by injury and returned on the left wing instead of his usual striker’s position.
He was a constant threat to the Island Bay defence, and that pressure paid off when he opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Striker Willy Syben added Villa’s second goal late in the first spell.
Villa could have easily won by more only to be denied by the outstanding Island Bay goalkeeper, who saved a penalty and regularly kept out goal-bound shots, including one remarkable save when a screamer was on course for the top corner.
Villa coach Dan Pawson was satisfied with the outcome, which keeps the team on track for promotion.
“Island Bay weren’t as strong as last time, but their goalkeeper was very good, and he kept them in the game,” he said.
“We’ll keep trucking along, and we’re still aiming for the top, so our next two games are vital.
“Victoria University lost, so that means if we win those two games, we will go up.”
Villa are on 30 points, two behind league leaders Waterside-Karori Magpies, and nine points ahead of Victoria.
Wins at home over the Wainuiomata Reserves on Saturday and Victoria the following Saturday would guarantee promotion to Capital Three.
