Football: 3-0 scoreline flatters United

Geoff Rickard (right) heads the ball clear during his side's 3-0 loss to Tauranga City United's Federation One side. Photo / Andrew Warner

Tauranga City United's Federation One side outlasted Old Blues at Wharepai Domain on Saturday in a clinical exhibition of how to play with a lead.

The 3-0 score flattered the visitors as Old Blues had created the best chances in a scoreless first half, with a touch of luck and superior fitness seeing Tauranga City comfortably home.

The game changed in the 56th minute with a glancing own-goal from the head of Mike Barton following an inswinging corner.

The most acute of touches gave Old Blues goalkeeper Ben Johnson no chance and Tauranga City United scored the goal they needed to dictate play.

Reuben Wood had a shot pushed wide for the hosts soon after, and when Geoff Rickard's looping header hit the junction of the post and crossbar to then be smashed over the target by Wood, it was clear this was not going to be Old Blues' day.

A poor clearance from Johnson allowed Matt Collins to double his side's advantage in the 79th minute before Strauss Boom made it 3-0 with a powerful header that Johnson failed to push wide. Old Blues were left to rue some poor finishing and will likely receive a steady diet of low crosses due to the sheer number of times players made runs to the front post only to see the ball sail over their heads.