Waiuku Prems Back In The Race

With the reserve team having a bye and players returning from injury and absence, including Derek Sinclair, Waiuku had good squad depth going into this fixture. Before the game kicked off a one minute silence was held for two people, the grandfather of striker Cody Ralph and also Charlie Littlefair, a founding member of the club, who both passed away earlier in the week.

The game kicked off in typical Waiuku fashion, fast and furious with plenty of forward movement. However Cambridge were equal to the task and were able to build some very constructive play of their own, playing well from the flanks but never seriously testing Justin Baldwin who looked very relaxed in the Waiuku goal. Cody Ralph and Shane Godden looked dangerous up front for the home side and were a constant menace to the Cambridge defense. Chances from defender Jerry Hubbard who headed just over the bar, and midfielder Charlie Heather who was denied by the Cambridge keeper were a testament to the attacking style of play of the home side. A goalless first half ended but it was clear there was still some great football to come.

Cambridge instantly went on the attack in the second phase and straight away forced a fantastic save from Baldwin down to his right. During the break the Waiuku coaching staff was forced to replace Shane Godden, sustaining a thigh injury in the first half, with the returning Derek Sinclair in the attacking role. This proved invaluable when only ten minutes into the second half Sinclair found himself clear in the Cambridge box. Beating one defender and shooting low past the keepers near post, Waiuku were in the lead. A six week absence hardly showing from the goal scorer. Cambridge seemed deflated by this and never really managed to get back into the game. Then after one of many attacks from Waiuku, a corner was conceded by the visitors. Cody Ralph put a beautiful curling ball in and it was missed by everyone, including the keeper, and fell into the net. The third goal scored directly from a corner by Ralph this year. Waiuku were not done and with ten minutes remaining Ralph was brought down in the penalty area and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. Ralph stepped up and made no mistake netting his second of the game. The final whistle was blown and Waiuku had proved they were not out of the running for the Division two top spot, their only chance for promotion to the new Division One league structure next season.

Coach Jim Evans was happy to see his team back on track "We played confident football all game, keeping possession and supporting each other. The first half was very even but I still think we deserved to win. We created many good chances and it is great to see the ball in the back of the net. Man of the match was Owen Hill, but Justin Baldwin, Jerry Hubbard and Derek Sinclair ran him close."

Waiuku travel to Tauranga City FC next week, hoping to continue their winning form.