10-man Dragons hang on for draw
Ten-man Canterbury United survived a couple of late scares to scramble a 1-1 draw with Waita¯ kere United in Christchurch on Sunday.
Playing without left-back George King, who was sent off for collecting Yuki Ohtsuka in the groin with a studs up tackle in the 74th minute, the Dragons had to dig deep to walk off English Park with one national championship point.
Waita¯kere United defender Stewart McKay came agonisingly close to banking maximum points for his side in the waning minutes, but his shot collected the top of the crossbar.
King’s red card was the second blow to the Dragons after halftime, having conceded an equaliser moments before his reckless challenge was punished.
Keegan Linderboom was the man to draw the visitors level, firing past Canterbury United goalkeeper Coey Turipa after the hosts failed to clear their line.
It meant Dragons striker Stephen Hoyle’s spectacular opening goal didn’t reap the reward it probably deserved.
Hoyle, who scored seven goals in his first campaign with the Dragons last season, signed, sealed and delivered his entry for goal of the season in the 43rd minute.
The 24-year-old’s quality overhead kick was right from the top draw, and had the home side on track to win their season opener at halftime.
‘‘It’s an instinct thing,’’ Hoyle said.
‘‘I know where the goal is behind me, so I’m trying to work an option to turn and shoot, but when it popped up I thought I obviously don’t need to turn . . . I’ll be watching it tonight.’’
Canterbury coach Willy Gerdsen sprung an early surprise by starting regular captain Aaron Clapham on the bench for his team’s first ISPS Handa Premiership match, opting for a starting midfield of Cory Mitchell, Gary Ogilvie (captain) and Sean Morris.
He also gave 17-year-old wing Seth Clark his first start, with the teenager impressing before Clapham replaced him in the 57th minute.
Both sides struggled to create quality chances, although Waita¯kere’s Fabian Istefo came close to drawing level on the cusp of halftime, only for his thunderbolt from the edge of the box to cannon off the crossbar.
Canterbury’s Japanese offseason recruit, striker Futa Nakamura, showed glimpses of his promise, while King had a fine debut at the back before he was sent for an early shower.
Nakamura’s deft touch a quarter of an hour into the match provided the hosts with one of their best chances of the match, but Dan Terris, playing his 155th game, couldn’t direct his header on target.
Waita¯ kere wing Dylan Manickum threatened to open the Dragons up with his speed and nimble footwork, but repeatedly scuffed his shots at goal.
Canterbury are at home again next Sunday, against Tasman United, 4-1 winners against Hamilton Wanderers in the opening round.
A first half double inside two minutes for Tasman winger Yousif Al-Kalisy put them two goals ahead after Marc Evans’ penalty had cancelled out Daniel Allan’s opener for the visitors.
Paul Ifill could have scored a hat-trick after the break but his delightful chipped finish in the 65th minute was enough for Tasman to secure a comfortable victory at Porritt Stadium.
Defeat leaves Wanderers still chasing a first victory in this calendar year after finishing ninth in last season’s 10-team competition.