Knockout loss ‘wake-up call’ for United

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne United have been knocked out of the 2021 Lotto Federation Cup, going down 1-0 to New Plymouth side Peringa United at Hastings Sports Park on Saturday.

The game was listed as a home match for Heavy Equipment Gisborne United but because of the distance, Central Football decided to play it on neutral ground in Hastings.

United went in with a successful history in this competition, beating sides from the league above them on their way to the 2019 final which they lost 3-2 to Massey University.

The 2020 Cup was abandoned due to Covid-19.

Their 2021 campaign ended prematurely much to the disappointment of Gisborne United head coach Kieran Venema, who described their performance as “a wake-up call”.

“If we play like this again, we are going to struggle with results this season,” said Venema, whose side play in the Pacific Premiership league.

It was a day where nothing went right with the game plan.

Venema wanted three options at all times when opposition were on the ball but said there was barely even one.

No one appeared to want the ball and there was no support off the ball.

Players were passing and watching rather than passing and moving, he said.

They had chances to win the game but didn't take these.

“We didn't deserve to win the game against a side most days we would have put six goals past.”

United will regroup and refocus on the Pacific Premiership in which they are sitting second on the table.

They return to Hastings this weekend to face leaders Maycenvale United AFC — the only side with a 100 percent record (six wins from six matches).

Gisborne United are five points behind but have a game in hand.