Waihi still in running

Waihi will have to wait to see whether it has achieved promotion to the Waikato A Division after a 2-1 loss to Claudelands Squatters in the final match of the season, last Saturday.

Waihi started slowly and struggled to find its usual fluency. However, the home side still had the better of the first half and created some promising opportunities that should have given it the lead.

The best chance fell to Richard James who headed the ball just wide of goal after a dangerous cross from fellow striker Aodhan Balemi late in the half.

In the second half Claudelands took the lead. The first goal came following a free kick that a Claudelands striker deflected into the goal. The second goal came care of a dangerous Claudelands through-ball that played one of the visiting team’s strikers in on goal, allowing him to slot it home from just inside the 18-yard box. Waihi showed some resolve and managed to bring the score back to 2-1 after midfielder Vincent Fransham was fouled in the penalty area.

Fransham was awarded a penalty, which he slotted home with a low shot into the bottom left of the goal. Waihi pushed forward late in the match but was unable to find an equaliser.

The loss was an unfortunate way to end what has otherwise been a highly successful season for Waihi.

The team will now have to wait on the result of a match between Melville B52s and Melville Mighty Bs to find out if it has held on to second place and promotion to the A Division.