Last Minute Goal Secures Points for Waiuku Prems

Taurangas’ Links Ave Stadium is never an easy place to go for any visiting team but Waiuku were up for the challenge. With head coach Jim Evans overseas, assistant coach Jason Heather took the reigns for this fixture and kept the nearly the same starting line up which saw off Cambridge United the previous week. The only absence was Owen Hill with Elliot Crean stepping in.

The home side made a lot of the early running and enjoyed some good possession play but their finishing was letting them down, only twice threatening Justin Baldwin in the Waiuku goal. On both occasions Baldwin making comfortable saves. Waiuku started fighting their way back into the game and were soon putting pressure on the home side. A corner from Shane Godden was met by defender Jerry Hubbard who headed just over the bar then a wayward free kick from Godden was intercepted by Sam Van Pomeren who headed narrowly wide. Referee Mark Hester then had an important decision to make when Cody Ralph was brought down in the Tauranga penalty area. Hester put the whistle to his mouth but hesitated and waved play on much to the dismay of the visiting team and their supporters who made the long trip. Things remained scoreless until half time with both sides going into the break reflecting on what could’ve been.

The second half couldn’t have got off to a better start for Waiuku when only three minutes in they were awarded a corner. Cody Ralph took the kick and the ball was met at the far post by Wayne Trout who rose well to head Waiuku into the lead. Two more chances from Derek Sinclair and Simon Millynn went begging and it seemed Waiuku were in control when in the 75^th minute disaster struck. Possession was lost in the middle of the park and Tauranga spread the ball wide to an advancing winger. The ball was driven in low and hard to be met by Evan Heerchaps at the near post and fired into the roof of the net. At 1-1 there was everything to play for by both sides. Waiuku coach Jason Heather changed the formation and brought on Charlie Heather to partner Wayne trout in the centre and add more width to the attacking play. More chances were created, but to everyone’s’ frustration came to nothing. With only one minute remaining Waiuku finally got the break they needed. Referee Hester awarded the visitors a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Cody Ralph struck the ball well but straight at the keeper who unexpectedly spilled it at the feet of the advancing Waiuku players. Wayne Trout was first to it and made no mistake from close range to put Waiuku 2-1 ahead and seal the win.

Waiuku coach Jason Heather was clearly elated by the result. “This is never an easy place to come to and getting the win is a great result. The team showed a lot of heart and gave their all right to the end and it paid off. Player of the day went to Wayne Trout for his 2 goals and never say die attitude throughout the whole game.”

Another away fixture next week sees Waiuku take on old rivals Papakura City FC at Maclennan Park in what is always an exciting game. Kick Off 2:45.