Canterbury finally win as the other clashes end up drawn
ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership 2020/21, Week Four Roundup & Preview of Week Five
Week Four Roundup:
Team Wellington 2 - Auckland City 2
A first half red card to Auckland City’s Brian Kaltack changed the course of this game, which Auckland city had looked on track to win after a solid first half showing. Back from injury, Logan Rogerson scored two to give Auckland the half time buffer in this battle of competition heavyweights. However, early in the second half, City defender Adam Mitchell fouled Nathanael Halimariam in the box. Former City player Joao Moreira scored the penalty against his former club before a Hamish Watson screamer brought the scores level minutes later. Both sides battled hard to find a winner, and each team had a goal ruled out by the offside flag as it ended in a draw.
Man of the match: Logan Rogerson (Auckland City)
Hamilton Wanderers 1 - Wellington Phoenix Reserves 1
The Wellington Phoenix Reserves were moments away from a shock victory over the runaway league leaders this season before a late penalty concession allowed Wanderers talisman Tommy Semmy to snatch a late equalizer and a point for the hosts. Riley Bidois had put the WeeNix in front in the 77th minute, capping off a swift counterattack after a great save from Alex Paulsen had denied Tommy Semmy a goal.
Man of the match: Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix Reserves)
Eastern Suburbs 2 – Waitakere United 2
Another team to conjure up two 2-2 draws in as many weeks, Waitakere United were left to rue second half missed opportunities as they gave up a 2-0 away lead at Madills Farm. A 14th minute strike by Jack Duncan was reinforced by a 41st minute Josh Redfearn drive. However, Suburbs quickly levelled through another stunning goal by the peerless Adam Thurston and a Stephen Hoyle penalty in the 78th squared the ledger. Suburbs had a huge chance to score and win the game in the 94th minute, however Waitakere keeper Nick Draper denied Otto Ingham from close range and the points were shared.
Man of the match: Adam Thomas (Eastern Suburbs)
Hawke’s Bay United 0 – Canterbury United 3
And then, there was one. Hawke’s Bay United are now the only team to have not picked up a win so far this season, after they were clinically dispatched by a classy Canterbury side on the weekend. Three second half goals to Ihaia Delaney, Garbhan Coughlan and Yuya Taguchi gave the only Southern side in the competition a thoroughly deserved away win.
Man of the match: Ihaia Delaney (Canterbury United)
Week Five Preview:
Wellington Phoenix Reserves vs Hawke’s Bay United – Saturday 12/12/20, 2:00pm
Without a single point to show for all their efforts this season, Hawke’s Bay United will be desperate to get some sort of result against the Nix Reserves this weekend. After the disappointment of a last-minute concession, the Phoenix will be hoping to earn another victory and take their place higher up the table than their current 6th spot.
Prediction: 2-1 Wellington Phoenix Reserves win
Waitakere United vs Hamilton Wanderers – Saturday 12/12/20, 3:00pm
With their momentum showing signs of slowing, the Wanderers may be vulnerable to a Waitakere United side in top form. However, we have not seen United at their best attacking wise so far this season and they will need to shore up their defence if they want to stop the likes of Derek Tieku and Tommy Semmy. Expect goals for both sides in this one!
Prediction: 3-2 Hamilton Wanderers win
Eastern Suburbs vs Team Wellington – Sun 13/12/20, 3:00pm kick-off
This game looks destined to be the game of the round as both sides look to get quickly back to winning ways to maintain pressure on Hamilton Wanderers at the top of the table. Suburbs will relish the chance to play another game at home and will be looking to leapfrog their opposition into second place on the table. Team Wellington will hope that they can rediscover the stubbornness in defence that saw them pickup two from two at the start of the season.
Prediction: 2-1 Eastern Suburbs win
Canterbury United vs Auckland City – Sun 13/12/20, 4:00pm kick-off
Despite Canterbury’s position on the table, they have given enough of an account of themselves to warrant not being written off for this one. Kaltack’s red card against Team Wellington robs City of an experienced defender, however Auckland should have the strength in depth to cover. This will be closer than some will expect.
Prediction: 2-1 Auckland City win