Football: Worry beads come out as Wanderers hang tough

Bruce Barclay.

Havelock North Wanderers coach Bruce Barclay has been around long enough to know it's not over until it's over.

"One minute we were 3-1 up and then I turn around and it's 3-2," said Barclay after his team held on to the scoreline over Breakers Red Sox Manawatu in the dying minutes at Guthrie Park, Havelock North, on Saturday in their Federation League clash.

Striker Jared Bloor drew first blood in the 31st minute but the Red Sox didn't equalise 1-1 until very early in the second half through first-class cricketer Dane Cleaver.

Bloor again stepped up for the villagers in the 58th minute to retain their lead, 2-1, before Harrison Gregory extended the lead to 3-1 with 15 to go.

However, Barclay was left threading his worry beads in the 81st minute when Michael Hilson pulled one back to 3-2 but his troops hung on much to his relief.

He named centreback Ben Foxall his player of the day in providing the fulcrum for a defensive leverage.

Second-placed Havelock North had a great start to their season with four wins but lost 3-1 away to Gisborne Thistle in the previous round.

"The last one was a bit of a kick in the guts in a tough Gisborne match in front of a vociferous crowd and referee who made you wonder if they 12 player on the field.

"There were some dodgy calls but I somehow kept my cool," said Barclay who was quick to laud Saturday's whistleblower, Darren Austin, of the Bay.

"You have to give credit to officials where it's due and Darren was fantastic today as he let the game flow with no cards given ."

The Wanderers thrashed Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic 12-0 in their opener, pipped Palmerston North Marist Reserves 3-2, hammered Promotem Port Hill United 5-1 before edging out Massey University 3-2.

They are scheduled to host leaders Team Taranaki, on 16 points, this Saturday in a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash but that has been postponed because of the Chatham Cup round of matches.