WaiBOP United’s Youth Team has secured a narrow, but vital, home victory over Auckland United at a blustery St Peter’s School in Cambridge.
After last Saturday’s defeat at Team Wellington a victory here was necessary and, prior to kick-off, this match may have been considered a home banker. But the visiting Auckland United side was a lively outfit that competed for everything and made life extremely difficult for the youth team.
The most telling player of the day, however, was the wind, and it made playing constructive football a real challenge for both sides. While not being over worked, both keepers had to be on their toes, while it was a tough old afternoon if you were a defender.
We did our best to get the ball down and play, and had our moments during the first half. We cam close on a couple of occasions before substitute, Jacob Robb, on for only a minute for the injured Dylan Bull, struck the game’s decisive blow. He found himself right in front of goal after good work down the left by Paul Clout and, after a touch to steady himself, picked his spot and finished ruthlessly.
We had the best of the second half, although keeper, Neil Achary, was called into action twice to make important saves to maintain the score line. Before that both Quinton Kipara and Blair Bates went close to doubling the lead.
The win keeps us in the mix near the top of the table and five points behind the leaders, Team Wellington
WaiBOP line-up: Neil Achary; Bailey Webster, Nathan Kinney, Luke Searle, Shaun Morgan (Jacob Brown 46′); Jono Viviani, Liam Hayes, Blair Bates (Fawwaz Ali 88′), Quinton Kipara (James Davies 58′); Paul Clout (Jacob Mechell 65′), Dylan Bull (Jacob Robb 38′).
Goals: Jacob Robb 39′.
