TW 2 - Waitak 1 "OH WELLINGTON.... IS WONDERFUL"
That is a quality result - paying $7 also. that'll learn anyone to underestimate the mighty Wellington.
Team Welly played some lovely football, and could have scored a couple more but wasted a couple of great chances in the 2nd half. Sean Douglas looked pretty solid at the back. Disappointed in Waitakere tho, expected better.
great start TW!!
Look for plans to get some Fever along next week. the pandemic had some details, should be finalised Tuesday.
interesting result there.
By Bob Pearce
at Fred Taylor Park
nzfc.co.nz
Peter Halstead, who had come on as a defender midway through the second half, reverted to his more usual goal-scoring role to snatch a 2-1 victory for Team Wellington over Waitakere United today.
In the 89th minute Halstead was left unmarked in the penalty area and nodded home a right-wing corner from close range to allow Wellington to return home with maximum points from the opening game of the New Zealand Football Championship at Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai.
The visitors had taken the lead in the 20th minute when former Waitakere player Daniel Ellensohn broke through, beat a tackle and calmly beat keeper Simon Eaddy.
Waitakere equalised in the 62nd minute when Jason Hayne, who had a strong game, crossed from the right and Allan Pearce gratefully took the chance after goalie Phil Imray had only partially cleared.
Wellington coach Stu Jacobs was
delighted to take all the points from the team that topped the
table last season and lost only narrowly in the grand
final.
"I wasn't too sure if we were right for game one," he said. "But I told the boys that win or lose let's make a statement that we're contenders this season. There's a long way to go but I think they've achieved that.
"We're a team that likes to play and I was pleased we kept playing. I think Waitakere were feeling the effects of their game earlier in the week."
Waitakere coach Chris Milicich was understandably disappointed at the result but much happier with his team's performance than he was after they squeaked a win over their Tahitian opponents in the O-League on Wednesday.
"We played much better today but two games in four days caught up with the lads at the end," he said. "We'll certainly improve a long way on this."
Benjamin
Totori, Golden Boot last season for YoungHeart Manawatu, 
had chances to get on the scoreboard for the season and
Hayne led the defence a merry dance on the right flank. But one of
Waitakere's best shots on goal came from midfielder Chris Bale, who
drew a fine save from Phil Imray.
Danny Hay, Jonathan Perry and Darren Bazeley were solid in defence and it was a surprise that Wellington conjured the victory from a set piece.
Wellington's Graham Little and George Barbarouses were a threat on the break and captain Andy Barron was a skilled prompter, though he wasted a golden opportunity to score in the closing stages.
Pictures: Shane Wenzlick www.phototek.co.nz
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Haha main thing is
Wellington won, twice including the mighty Phoenix! 