Tauranga City win promotion

Belvedere Tauranga City United head coach Duncan Lowry hugs captain Raymond How after the 4-0 victory over Mangere United. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Belvedere Tauranga City United clinched promotion to the Northern Premier League with a memorable 4-0 win over Mangere United at Links Ave this afternoon.

Tauranga went into the final two matches of the season having to make up a 10 goal differential to steal the final promotion spot from North Shore United.

After a 6-0 win last Saturday, Tauranga had to beat Mangere by four clear goals and, despite the odd tense moment in defence, they held their composure in front of goal to deliver the dream.

With the score still 0-0 after 30 minutes, the tension in the good-sized crowd was palpable, until Andrew Cooper settled nerves with a peach of a shot for the opener. The difference for Tauranga all season has been the inventive attacking play of Jerahl Hughes and the league's leading goal scorer took his tally to 21 with goals either side of halftime for a 3-0 lead.

The magical fourth goal came in the 63rd minute from schoolboy sub Strauss Boom and then it was a matter of holding on.

The final whistle from referee Bruce Horrox was greeted with emotional scenes as players, coaching staff and fans celebrated with gusto.

Club chairman Mark Bougen says the result finishes a dream that started a few years ago.

"We have brought premier football back to the Bay of Plenty and we showed this year against Eastern Suburbs we can fit it in (Premier) grade. It is going to give an opportunity now for the players in the region. We are not stopping there - National League is next."

Belvedere Tauranga City United 4 (Andrew Cooper 30' Jerahl Hughes 42' 50' Strauss Boom 63') Mangere United 0.