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.

Waitakere United: 22 Simon Eaddy, 2 Jonathan Perry, 5 Danny Hay, 17 Jake Butler (6 Darren Bazeley 80th), 8 Commins Menapi, 9 Benjamin Totori (13 Danko Koprivcic 73rd), 10 Allan Pearce, 11 Neil Sykes, 15 Chris Bale, 16 Neil Emblen, 33 Paul Seaman (14 Hoani Edwards 82nd)

Goals: P Seaman 13th, B Totori 33rd