Teenager Will Clague scored the goal of the match for Tauranga City United on Saturday. PHOTO/BOB RICKETTS
Belvedere Group Tauranga City United completed their 2014 season with a 3-0 away win over Albany United on Saturday. It would be fair to say it was not one of their better games, however with the league and title sewed up three games ago, the motivation they had previously was
not as evident.
After a strong start, Tauranga were awarded a penalty after 12 minutes, when livewire Jerahl Hughes had his feet taken out from underneath him in the box. Captain Sam O'Regan stepped up to blast the spot kick past the home keeper to put the Blues one up. The scored stayed that way until halftime but not before the visitors came under considerable pressure from Albany. Tauranga goalkeeper Tom Pamment was called on to make a save at the feet of an Albany striker towards the end of the half to maintain his side's advantage.
The second spell started with both sides trading attacks on goal but the Blues doubled their lead in the 57th minute when midfielder Phillip Fletcher lobbed a perfect ball over the Albany defence to find the head of advancing youngster Will Clague. His deft flick on bamboozled the home keeper, the goal easily the best of the match. Tauranga kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a third goal 17 minutes later when Hughes reacted swiftly to a spilled ball by the Albany keeper, getting in first to slot a shot into the open net. Up until this time the 17-year-old home keeper was having a splendid game, making several crucial saves.
The home side, although being down on the scoreboard, battled on with some promising attacks however the Tauranga back line headed by O'Regan and Raymond How stood firm. Top scorer Andrew Cooper should have had his 23rd goal for the season but his late pile driver was instead unfortunately blocked by team mate Jordan Cullpepper.
Planning is already under way for Tauranga's campaign in the Northern League 1st Division next season.
