Loaded WaiBOP United have comfortably defeated Southern United 3-0 in Thursday evening’s round eight ASB Premiership match at FMG Stadium Waikato.
A tight first half, which saw us with much of the ball but Southern pressing well, looked likely to remain goalless until Ryan Tinsley broke the deadlock with his third goal in two games. It was a clinical strike after good work in the box by Tinsley and Stephen Hoyle.
Hoyle could have doubled our lead just before the after pouncing on an under hit back pass but he was forced wide by Southern keeper, Josh Dijkstra, and his resulting shot hit the upright.
A more open first half saw Southern contain us for much of the spell but the hosts worked their way through twice to seal the points. Fullback Finn Cochran got Loaded WaiBOP United’s vital second goal just after the hour mark after he broke forward and rolled the ball past Southern ‘keeper Josh Dykstra.
Stephen Hoyle wrapped the points up with three minutes left, scoring his fourth goal of the season, slotting home after being put clear by Federico Marquez.
Loaded WaiBOP United coach Peter Smith was proud of his side’s effort as they went level with Hawke’s Bay United in fourth place.
“I think the lads did extremely well,” Smith said.
“They worked very hard and when you score three goals, keep a clean sheet and get three points, it’s not a bad night at the office.”
Smith added that the game unfolded as the hosts thought it would.
“We said to the lads that we’ll get a lot of possession so what we do with it is crucial. Southern will try and sit in and frustrate us for long periods, which they did. If we were patient and got the basics right, the opportunities and the chances would come and it basically went to plan.”
The victory, our fourth of the season, and first at home, lifts uslevel on points with fourth placed Hawke’s Bay United while Southern remain at the foot of the table.
WaiBOP United 3-0 Southern United (half: 1-0)
WB: Ryan Tinsley 37’, Finn Cochran 62’, Stephen Hoyle 87’
SU: –
Loaded WaiBOP United: Zac Speedy (GK); Scott Hilliar, Adam Mitchell, Tyler Lissette, Finn Cochran; Alexis Varela, Mario Ilich; Mark Jones (Sanni Issa 82’), Ryan Tinsley (James Hoyle 88’), Wade Molony (Federico Marquez 78’); Stephen Hoyle. Substitutes not used: Louie Caunter (GK), Cory Mitchell.
Southern United: Josh Dijkstra (GK), Ross Howard, Shawn O’Brien (Jack Caunter 78’), Benjudah Fitzpatrick, Seamus Ryder, Andrew Ridden (Morgan Day 76’), Stuart Kelly, Harley Rodeka, Josh Stewart, Tristan Prattley, Michael Hogan (Regan Coldicott 56’). Substitutes not used: Zane Green (GK), Lewis Jackson.
