Stop Out men, women top league
Stop Out’s Capital Premier men’s football side has won a promotion chance to Central League in decisive fashion, thumping Victoria University 6-nil on Saturday.
Coach Scott Easthope said the side was out for a win of any kind, but to clinch it by that margin over a mid-table team made it even more satisfying.
Their youngest player, 15-yearold Cherbel Khouchaba, was named man of the match.
‘‘He opened the scoring for us, capitalising on an error by University,’’ Easthope said.
The Syrian midfielder has been with Stop Out since he arrived in New Zealand as a 10-year-old and has progressed quickly through the ranks.
‘‘ Obviously he can be quite combative for a young fella, footing it with the seniors.
‘‘He does a good job of putting himself about, covering a lot of ground.
‘‘ He’s quite a creative player,’’ the coach said.
Miroslav Malivuk scored twice, including a clinical finish from a ball cut back by Joe Gaughan.
‘‘Miro was in the right place at the right time, as he does in crucial situations for us,’’ Easthope said.
Gaughan also scored, as did Alistair Yates and Martin Packer.
Easthope said Steve Gulley and captain Jason Tipping once again stamped their mark on the game.
Finishing the premier league five points clear of Waterside Karori at the top of the table, Stop Out have lost only one game dur- ing the regular season – ironically, to bottom-placed Wainui.
They’re now waiting for teams in a league stretching from Palmerston North to Gisborne to find a winner to decide who Stop Out will play for the right to enter the 2014 Central League.
The two teams currently at the top – Red Socks Manawatu and Palmerston North Marist – clash this weekend.
Stop Out was last in the Central League seven or eight years ago.
‘‘It’s been a long wait,’’ Easthope said.
Meanwhile, Stop Out’s premier women’s side have also won the 2013 league. Director of women’s football Brendan Marsh said the relatively young side claimed the title by beating Victoria University 2-1 last month, in what was their 12th win on the trot, and the first time they had conceded a goal in 716 minutes of football.
The team is coached by Elliott Taylor, and standout players include keeper Madison Bibby, and midfield/captain top goal scorer Melanie Macdougall.
They’re also waiting to find out who will be a challenger for promotion to Central League after last year winning the premier title, but losing in the promotion play-off to Palmerston North’s Baleron.