Soccer: Classy Old Blues thump Rotorua

Old Blues proved far too good for Rotorua United on Saturday, running away 5-2 winners at Wharapei Domain to further enhance their title chances.

In truth, had it not been for an excellent showing from United goalie Andrew Gibb and some poor finishing from the hosts, the score probably would have reached double figures.

Gibb was excellent - especially during a second half in which he seemed to turn away one-on-ones with strikers every other minute - and provided the main thrust for his team's scarce attack with plenty of long goal kicks.

Reuben Wood had a double midway through the first half after finishing off a pair of chances that fell to him in the box. He buried the first from close range to open the scores before fortuitously doubling the advantage moments later after badly mishitting a shot from the top of the box into the bottom right-hand corner.

A freaky own goal induced by a typically powerful run from target man Mike Barton made it 3-0, before Geoff Pickard tucked home a regulation finish after Old Blues had received another free header in the box.

Josh Taylor was among the pick of the players in the opening half and looks to have found a home on the right side of midfield.

His touch was unerring in quality, and he skinned his man on the outside with nimble feet on a number of occasions.

Fraser Gilbert got one back for the visitors at the start of a second half owned by Gibb.

Old Blues answered back with their fifth - to Hayden Fowke from the edge of the box.

Old Blues 5 (Reuben Wood 2, Geoff Rickard, Hayden Fowke, own goal) Rotorua United 2 (Fraser Gilbert, Gary Hamilton-Irvine).