Eastern Suburbs dominant while the competiton falters
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Three Roundup & Preview of Week Four
Week Three Roundup:
Waitakere United 2 vs Team Wellington 2
Waitakere United left it extremely late to rescue a point at Seddon Fields artificial in round three, with a last gasp equaliser sparing them the disappointment of back-to-back losses. Team Wellington had looked in control for most of the first half, with Joao Moreira turning and scoring late to cap off the performance. However, early in the second half Waitakere United were back in it, a header from Luke Searle levelling things in the 49th minute. Hamish Watson scored a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 2-1 to Team Wellington and it looked like the three points were heading to Wellington before Josh Redfearn’s 92nd minute goal.
Man of the match: Taylor Schrijvers (Team Wellington)
Wellington Phoenix Reserves 0 - Eastern Suburbs 4
After a big win last week, the Phoenix Reserves were brought back to earth with a thump in round three as Eastern Suburbs turned in a dominant away performance to take three points back to Auckland. Stephen Hoyle scored his first goal of the season in the 4th minute, before Adam Thurston scored two, with one at the end of the first half and a second early in the second half. The home fans at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt did have one thing to cheer as Phoenix keeper Alex Paulsen denied Thurston his hat-trick after saving his spot kick in the 75th minute. However, Paulsen could not keep out substitute Campbell Strong’s 80th minute strike as Suburbs had the final say in a tough match for the home side.
Man of the match: Adam Thurston (Eastern Suburbs)
Auckland City 2 - Hawke’s Bay United 1
Two second-half goals from Cameron Howeison and Dylan Manickum saved Auckland City after Jesse Randall had scored a wonderful solo goal in the 26th minute to take Hawkes Bay into the lead. It was a first half that Hawkes Bay controlled but unfortunately, they could only score a single goal in the half and blew a lead for the second time in as many weeks. Kiwitea street once again proved its worth for the men in dark blue, without injured strikers Emiliano Tade and Logan Rogerson, whose late fightback leaves them three points behind leaders Hamilton Wanderers.
Man of the match: Cameron Howeison (Auckland City)
Canterbury United 2 - Hamilton Wanderers 3
Once again Hamilton Wanderers proved that they are the real deal this season, with a gritty victory away from home denying a gutsy Canterbury side their first points of the season. Despite a Tom Schwarz header and a Garbhan Coughlan penalty, Hamilton had too much firepower, with Derek Tieku, Tommy Semmy and substitute Jordan Lamb all scoring to secure all three points for the visitors at English Park.
Man of the match: Tommy Semmy (Hamilton Wanderers)
Week Four Preview:
With the news that this current version of the National League is to be scrapped in favour of a new winter club-based competition next season, it will be interesting to see how the clubs react. Will it be business as usual, or will there be even more at stake for franchises soon to be disestablished to win something before they no longer exist?
Hamilton Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves – Sun 06/12/20, 1:00pm kick-off
Wanderers are flying and are clearly the form team of the season so far. They remain the only team to have won all their games so far this season, have the best goal difference and look to be unstoppable after their spirited victory against Canterbury last week. The Wellington Phoenix Reserves have shown they can play some incredible football but came unstuck against Suburbs in round three.
Prediction: Hamilton Wanderers 4-2 win
Hawkes Bay United vs Canterbury United – Sun 06/12/20, 1:30pm kick-off
Both sides have shown grit and determination in the past few weeks but have nothing to show for it on the table. With each team desperate to start seeing their endeavour turn to points, this should be a very hotly contested game. Hawkes Bay will need to shake their recent trend of leading and conceding late to lose, Canterbury need to work on establishing a lead. It’s a match that seems destined for a draw.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Eastern Suburbs vs Waitakere United – Sun 06/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
With Eastern Suburbs returning to form after their shock opening loss and Waitakere rescuing a point late on against Team Wellington, this sets up an intriguing contest between two sides capable of playing scintillating attacking football. With Suburbs defence looking the stronger of the two, expect the side South of the Harbour bridge to come out on top.
Prediction: 3-1 Eastern Suburbs win
Team Wellington vs Auckland City – Sun 06/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
Two old rivals face-off for the first time this season and for the first time in what seems like forever, neither are the frontrunners. With the match to take place at David Farrington Park, Team Wellington will look to use home advantage to take the first three points on offer and capitalise on Auckland’s injury hit squad.
Prediction: 2-1 Team Wellington win