Auckland City v Waitakere

WAITAKERE IN RECORD SETTING DAY

Waitakere moved to the top of the NZFC table with a comfortable victory over near neighbours Auckland City in a round ten clash at Fred Taylor Park today.

First half goals to Paul Seaman and Benji Totori proved the difference between the two sides in a match played in sweltering heat and under a cloudless sky.

Seaman pounced in the 13th minute when Tamati Williams could only parry Alan Pearce�s drive from the edge of the area, the former City midfielder showed courage when others hesitated to dive in amidst two Auckland players to scramble the ball home.

Bryan Little could well have equalized eight minutes later but a last ditch tackle from inspirational skipper Danny Hay prevented the golden boot contender from getting his shot away. It was to be symptomatic of Little�s frustrating day, one that would eventually lead to him limping from the field.

Waitkakere were controlling the midfield with Seaman and Chris Bale too strong on most occasions for the visitors while up front the pace of Totori and the guile of Commins Menapi were always a threat. Defense was never going to be a concern with Hay joined by the experienced Jonathan Perry and Neil Emblen.

Waitakere�s lead was doubled in the 33rd minute when referee Mike Hester showed great vision to play advantage after a rugged Ben Sigmund tackle on Chris Bale, allowing Waitakere to continue an attack and eventually win a corner. From that corner Totori rose at the near post to head home through a gaggle of players. Ben Sigmund meanwhile was booked for the earlier late challenge on Bale.

The second half slowed considerably as both sides struggled in the heat, Auckland all the more so when Chad Coombes foolishly committed two bookable offences within 90 seconds to receive his marching orders early in the half. In truth the Auckland midfielder was fortunate not to receive a straight red when he brought down Totori as the last defender when the Solomon Islands striker had skipped clear.

The impressive Neil Emblen had a 25 metre free kick all but defeat Williams in the Auckland goal while Neil Sykes also had a long distance drive shave the post on the wrong side of the net for his liking.

For Auckland city second half substitute Riki van Steeden somehow managed to miss a gilt edged opportunity when through one on one in the area, his delay resulted in no shot being fired, let alone test Simon Eaddy in goal.

This was the signal for the �Sandringham shuffle� as visiting supporters started to leave the ground, choosing not to be there to witness Waitakere�s historic first victory over the three time NZFC champions.

Ultimately though today�s result was about the home side. This was a red letter day for Waitakere United in front of a large and enthusiastic (and sun-burned) crowd. The win is the first (on the park) over Auckland, the three points moves the club to the top of the NZFC table and Totori moves to the head of the golden boot queue. The win was the seventh league win in a row, a new club record and equaling the NZFC record also held by Auckland City.

Some might suggest there was a hint of a changing of the guard, a swing in the pendulum to the West of Auckland. City supporters and players will be wanting to prove otherwise the next time the sides clash.

For now though, Waitakere United is on top of the NZFC.

Is that the most embarassing thing ever written in a public press release ?

Mind you, when your average crowd is 120 and you play on a paddock in the middle of nowhere, what do you expect ?

Thought Waitakere well worth the win.

The Sandrigham Shuffle is just what i'd expect from those backwards inbred people

(Fixed for you Buffy - HN)

Pritch started he was injured after 2 mins not much he could of done about that. Li and Campbell played and were sh*te. Roscoe will start this weekend.

No idea. Given that he'd been starting since the xmas break it was odd, especially as Tamati had cocked up before in the derby, and proceeded to do so again.

You're not wrong. Shocker!

Thought the 'atmosphere' was a bit flat. Wee bunch of ACFC fans (I presume you were part of) had a stab at chanting early on but not much else that I could hear.

Glad to see a fine selection of mos on show at FTP tho'

Nope. They're too similar in the way they play and are both afraid to tackle. McGeorge was the difference yesterday and may be the revelation of the season for us. His work rate and determination in the midfield allowed Lee more room and more time on the ball, which is why he scored that wonder goal which has been 12 games coming.

More of McGeorge and less of Soupy please.

ur wrong der ki hyung lee did have more time but it was because they were playing waikato! its not hard to beat their midfield..... sam wilkinson so difficucult....