Football: Blues slide into top spot with ease

Jack McNab scored again for Tauranga Citys win over Fencibles United. Photo/Andrew Warner

Belvedere Group Tauranga City United have gone top of the Northern League 2nd Division after a 2-1 away win over Fencibles United.

At the start of Saturday's game, Tauranga were second on the table and their hosts in first place, but from the kick-off it was clear the Blues were looking to change that position.

Tauranga's coach Duncan Lowry described the first half as the best they had played all season and it was not surprising when they took the lead in the 30th minute.

From a defensive corner the ball was headed out by Raymond How to Andrew Cooper, who played a quick lofted volley up field. Jack McNab, the sole striker up front, managed to collect the ball and elude his two markers before slotting the ball past the Fencibles keeper.

Up 1-0 at halftime the Blues carried on where they left off in the second spell. In the 65th minute Cooper signalled to the bench that he wanted to come off. He had been worked on at half time for a tight hamstring, but Tauranga won a corner and it was decided to keep him on till after that.

What a decision it was, as he collected a clearance header 20metres out on the right hand side, and with a first time volley, fired a shot that gave the keeper no chance.

Locals described it as a contender for goal of the season.

After that he left the field and was replaced by new signing Connor Taylor from Melville.

With 15 minutes to go, Fencibles got on the scoreboard after a messy goal mouth scramble resulted in Alex Thurton poking one over the line. The goal breathed new life into the home side but City United keeper Tom Pamment, with a man of the match performance, denied everything they attempted, aided by the post and crossbar at times.

The good luck was on the visitors shoulders and they held on to their one-goal advantage until the full-time whistle.

This Saturday's home fixture against Lynn Avon will be the last for the season for super striker McNab. He scored 28 goals for the Blues last season and so far this season has nine.

He and his partner will be returning to the UK for an indeterminate time so supporters are asked to show up in big numbers to give him a great send-off. Kick-off at Links Avenue is at 2.30pm.