Quinton Kipara’s added time winner has kept the season alive for WaiBOP United’s Youth Team as they defeated Heartland Wairarapa 3-2 in Masterton.
The team had earlier recovered from a two goal deficit thanks to a Dylan Stansfield double, scored within nine minutes either side of half time.
The slow start wasn’t ideal but could be put down, in large part, to the challenging travel arrangements which had the side arriving at Hamilton airport at 5am, busing to Auckland, flying to Wellington, travelling on a bus that got lost on the way from Wellington airport to the ground in Masterton, then arriving just before kick-off. Let’s just say it wasn’t the ideal preparation.
Despite all the hassles, the squad showed immense character to squeeze out their fifth win in six games. The defensive unit recovered well from the concession of the two goals, the midfield worked the team back into the game and Stansfield then Kipara added the final touches at the pointy end.
The three points moved us to within two points of leaders, Team Wellington, ahead of Sunday’s fixtures. The team will be looking forward to their next game, the visit of Canterbury United, not least because it’s at home, meaning the ground will be just that little bit easier to get to.
WaiBOP line-up: Neil Achary; Bailey Webster, Nathan Kinney, Jackson Houlihan, Raheem Hunter-Ali (Shaun Morgan 83′); Jono Viviani, Liam Hayes, Jamie Woodlock (Jacob Mechell 59′), James Davies (Quinton Kipara 45′); Paul Clout (Jacob Robb 45′), Dylan Stansfield. Sub (not used): Robert Parekowhai-Gudex.
Goals: Dylan Stansfield 40′, 49′, Quinton Kipara 90+1′.
