United take advantage of early defensive lapses

Early defensive woes once again plagued Tasman United’s National Youth League side as they fell to their second consecutive defeat.

Although it wasn’t as bad as their high-scoring 6-5 loss to Canterbury United in the first round, where they conceded an alarming five first half goals, Tasman were still punished for their poor start in yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Auckland City at Kiwitea St.

Auckland scored twice in the early stages of the game, Ignacio Machuca putting the home side in front after 14 minutes before Jack Anderson doubled the lead just nine minutes later.

Down 2-0 at halftime, Tasman came out firing in the second half. But it was only Matt Tod-Smith who was able to beat goalkeeper Cameron Brown, scoring Tasman’s sole goal in the 64th minute.

Tod-Smith and Tinashe Marowa tested Brown as Tasman started to take control of the game, but the dangerous forwards were ultimately unable to capitalise again.

Tasman co-coach Davor Tavich said it was disappointing to go another round without any points, particularly as they created enough chances to win the game.

‘‘We let two goals in in the first 20 minutes or so but from then on we played really well, especially in the second half,’’ he said.

‘‘We scored one but just couldn’t find a second. It was a very good game I thought.’’

With many of the squad training with the first team and Callan Elliot and Tom Scott based in Masterton, Tavich said the players were still establishing connections on the field, perhaps the reason why they have been slow starters in both games.

‘‘If you train together you’re more likely to play better together but it will come and we understand the first team is the priority,’’ he said.