Football: Treble brings up half century for Rovers striker Kilkolly

Josh Stevenson (left) and Angus Kilkolly (right) worked up some goal-yielding production lines against Palmerston North Marist yesterday. PHOTO/FILE

Angus Kilkolly scored a hattrick of goals to bring up his 50th goal in Central League from 60 matches in Palmerston yesterday.

The Conroy Removals Napier City Rovers striker struck twice in the first half as they beat Palmerston North Marist 4-2 at Memorial Park, after leading 3-1 at halftime.

"That's a great achievement from Gus," Blues coach Bill Robertson said as Kilkolly established pivotal passes with vice-captain Josh Stevenson in reciprocal moves as the latter also got a goal in the 33rd minute that put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

The Rovers face a daunting task against Wairarapa United in Napier on Monday in a 2pm kick off during the Easter weekend double header.

Robertson agreed it wouldn't be easy considering they would be without skipper/defender Fergus Neil, defender James Hoyle and midfielder Matt Bruin because of other commitments.

"It's holidays, basically," he said, adding two of them had jobs with schools.

Yesterday, the hosts drew first blood from a freekick header from striker Bart Rimnongrua in the 17th minute before Kilkolly equalised after outpacing the centreback on a through pass to make it 1-all in the 23rd minute.

Stevenson made it 2-1 before Kilkolly, receiving a square pass back from Stevenson, increased the margin to 3-1 in the 42nd minute.

The Rovers kept up the relentless pressure when the game resumed with Marist goalkeeper Max Hopf conceding a penalty kick after fouling Stevenson in the box. Kilkolly stepped up and coolly made it 4-1 from the spot.

Veteran Adam Cowan pulled a consolation goal back, 4-2, in the 71st minute as the Rovers enter Monday with their first victory after a draw and loss.