Freya Lewington, right, scored twice in Wairarapa United’s win over Victoria University. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Victoria University Units 0
Wairarapa United 3
Tumu Wairarapa United are alone at the top of the Wellington women’s one championship after a 3-0 win over Victoria University Units at Boyd Wilson Park on Sunday.
The standout player was Freya Lewington, who scored two goals, while Brittney McGruddy followed up from a penalty rebound to nutmeg the goalkeeper.
United coach Radha McGlashan said the blustery wind on the exposed field in Kelburn made passing difficult, but they adapted quickly to play on the ground.
She said United dominated the game with 75 per cent possession, and the team is coming together well after four games in the league.
United will face their sternest challenge of the season on Sunday, at home to second-placed Wellington United Opals.
Magpies’ commitment under scrutiny
Tawa 5
Douglas Villa Magpies 0
Douglas Villa Magpies coach Malcolm Cox is questioning the commitment of some of his players after a disappointing loss away to Tawa Reserves on Saturday.
The 5-0 loss leaves Magpies without a win and sharing the bottom of Capital division two with Upper Hutt City on one point.
The Magpies went into the game with only one substitute after the late withdrawal of some players, including one at 7am on Saturday, and Cox admits the depleted team weren’t up to task.
“We lacked enthusiasm, you name it, we lacked it, and it was just one of those days,” said Cox
“In this league, you’ll get burnt, and that’s how it was on Saturday.”
Cox is strengthening the squad though with the recruitment of Chris Cox, a central defender from Central League club Havelock North.
“It’s a good boost for us, and hopefully, he’ll be the missing link for the team. He’s a leader, and he can push the boys in the right direction.”
The Magpies’ next match is away to the in-form Petone Thirds on Saturday.
Greytown sparkles in hometown win
Greytown 3
Wellington Marist Reserves 2
Greytown Fresh Choice ended Marist’s unbeaten run in Capital division four with three first-half goals.
In their first home game of the season, goals from Jarrod MacDonald, Isaac Higgins, and Waisake Sabutu had the visiting Marist side wondering what the heck had just happened.
Greytown had another two or three chances to put the game out of reach, but some stoic defending and good saves from the visiting goalkeeper kept the score at 3-0.
Coach Gary Hewson’s half-time message was simple, more of the same, and in the opening few minutes of the second half, it seemed they’d heeded his words only to concede a goal after squandering a couple of chances.
Marist upped their intensity, but never really threatened to break through Greytown’s well-organised defence, especially in the middle with skipper Josh
Thompson and Noah Ingham soaking up the pressure with help from fullbacks Max Mitchell and Ryan Butler and central holding midfielder William Newton.
A late consolation goal provided brief hope for Marist, but the home side did enough and held on for a vital three points.
Palmer nabs five goals
Kapiti Coast United 5
Masterton Athletic 6
Brodie Palmer was the toast of Progressive Engineering Masterton Athletic, scoring five goals as the team broke their losing duck in Capital division four in an away match to Kapiti Coast United.
In a topsy-turvy game where defence was secondary, Palmer opened the scoring early in the first half, followed by Wyther, who doubled the lead in the first 20 minutes.
The home side bounced back with a goal before Palmer extended the lead to 3-1. Two quick goals had the scores locked together, before Palmer gave Athletic a 4-3 lead at halftime.
Athletic scored again shortly after the resumption, with Kapiti replying with two quick goals, only for Palmer to secure the three points with his fifth goal.
Athletic coach Stu McLean was thrilled to pick up their first points.
“We scored some really good team goals,” McLean said.
“It’s good to get off the bottom of the table, and we’re up and running and the boys are pretty happy.”
