Football: City-United to go on the attack

Jerahl Hughes (right) scores his 18th goal of the season in Tauranga City United's 4-1 win over Waiuku on Saturday.

Tauranga City United's journey to win promotion to the Northern League Premier League could go down to the last kick of the season.

After Saturday's emphatic 4-1 away win over Waiuku, Tauranga City have to win their last two games in hand with a goal difference of 11 or better to gain one of the two automatic promotion places.

The games are at their Links Avenue home, against bottom team Ngaruawahia United this Saturday and Mangere United the week after.

Tauranga City chairman Mark Bougen says the return of two key players and the excellent goal scoring of the league's top marksman, Jerahl Hughes, means the promotion door is still open.

"It looks like a sizeable obstacle to overcome but if we can get it together on the day, who is to say we can't do it," Bougen said. "Ngaruawahia have virtually been relegated so have little to play for except pride really, and Mangere are mid-table and only have pride to play for as well.

"The good thing is that Jordan (Culpepper) and Colm Kenny are back, which is a plus so I am not counting us out. Sam O'Regan, who played for us last season, is back living up here now and is adding some inspiration to the coaching team.

"But, as I see it, we have to try to do it this season as I don't know how much longer we can keep Jerahl (Hughes). He obviously has a reputation in the league now and there are clubs looking at him. We really have to go for it this season."

Bougen and the rest of the Tauranga City management team, players and supporters are frustrated at how the season has ended up, with outstanding wins scored over the top teams but vital points dropped against inferior opposition.

"For some reason, we haven't played at our best against the lower sides," Bougen said.

"We have played very well against the likes of Forrest Hill Milford, North Shore, Ellerslie and Hibiscus Coast, but we should have blown away sides like Ngaruawahia, Takapuna, Mt Albert and Manurewa.

"We really have to turn that attitude around and go out attacking. The character is there and I am sure the lads are aware of that.

"If we don't get there, we will pay the price for not putting those teams away earlier in the season when we had the chance."

Saturday's 4-1 win over second-last Waiuku was finished off in some style with two goals to Hughes, who leads the Northern League First Division Golden Boot competition with 18, ahead of three other players on 13 goals.