Sending off energises local derby
Truly committed Waikato football fans could debate endlessly over whether Melville United goalkeeper Neil Mouncher should have been sent off during his side’s local derby against Hamilton Wanderers.
But what was beyond debate was that Mouncher’s dismissal just before halftime provided the spark required to lift what had been until then an entirely forgettable Northern League Premier Division match.
The clash at Porritt Stadium eventually finished 1-1, and both club’s supporters could have griped over a postmatch pint that they were deserving of three points as the second spell contained plenty for both team’s followers to get excited by. But a dire opening 30 minutes was accordingly worth the price of the free admission.
A Melville side short on confidence after picking up just four points from eight matches rarely, and surprisingly, looked like stringing many passes together, therefore missing the foundation their game is built on. The hosts, as expected, were industrious and attempted to be direct, but much of their long passing was either wayward or proved too easy for Melville to mop up.
Declan Edge’s side may have gained a reputation for being more technique than toughness, but there’s plenty of steel and substance in a defensive trio of Dan Looker, Tyler Lissette and Aaron Scott and they regularly mopped up any potential Wanderers threat.
After 33 minutes of dross, Melville produced a moment of magic as Scott, Ryan Thomas, Jesse Edge and Josh Thomas were all involved in the first crisp ex-
From that, Wanderers broke down the left and gained a free-kick near the byline, which resulted in Mark Jones’ delivery being headed in from close range by Graham Kay.
Clement later produced more heroics to again frustrate the livewire Boyd. Oliver earned his keep by bravely plunging in to grab the loose ball following a goalmouth melee where Wanderers seemed destined to score.
Second-half sub Van Ewert looked to have grabbed the winner with five minutes left but somehow his flashing near-post header from a corner stayed out, and he and Shaw also still had time to squander further late opportunities that may have been cruel to Melville had they been taken with more composure.
Ngaruawahia United’s inconsistent form still plagues them nearing the midway stage of their Division One season. Herve Kadiya put them ahead in the first half of their trip to Metro but they conceded twice in the second spell and are now just one point ahead of Metro in third-to-bottom spot.
Jack Mcnab built on his goalscoring reputation for Matamata Swifts, netting twice in his side’s 2-2 Division Two home draw against Mangere United.
The hosts had Alberto Romero sent off for retaliation in the second half but twice came from a goal down to grab a point against the third-placed visitors.
Mcnab now has 10 goals this season, with nine in his last six matches.