Hawke's Bay United goalkeeper Scott Morris kept his first clean sheet for the club in his side's 2-0 win over Waitakere United on Sunday. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay United goalkeeper Scott Morris kept his first clean sheet for the club in his side's 2-0 win over Waitakere United on Sunday. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay United up-and-comer Jesse Randall scored both goals in his side's first win of the season – in what was his last game for the club.
While still bottom of the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership, HBU picked up their first three points of the season with a 2-0 winagainst Waitakere United on Sunday at Bluewater Stadium.
After five straight losses, United started brightly in what was to be a cagey and physical affair.
While Waitakere enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on, the home side took the lead through star forward Randall in the 10th minute.
United midfielder Karan Mandair delivered a ball over the defence, leaving Randall to delicately lift the ball over keeper Nick Draper to put HBU ahead.
Man of the match Randall, who remains the only HBU player to score this season, wrapped up the win for his side late on, netting his fourth goal of the season.
The 18-year-old lobbed Draper for a second time in the match in the 83rd minute, in a potential goal of the season contender.
Despite joining Hawke's Bay United only in October this year, Randall confirmed after the game this was his last match for the club.
The young forward is due to travel to the United States in January to play football for North Kentucky University as part of a four-year scholarship.
Hawke's Bay United forward Jesse Randall confirmed Sunday's 2-0 win against Waitakere United was his last match for the club. Photo / Photosport
Randall said the squad was happy to pick up the three points in their final game before the Christmas break, and his final game for the club.
"It was an awesome feeling to get our first win of the season, but the team felt like it was a long time coming with us being a bit unlucky in recent weeks," he said.
"I'm sure the playing style will be different in the US, but I'm excited to get started."
Randall added: "I'll have to see how it is when I get there in terms of Covid, but I've been told everything is done with lots of caution and lots of testing."
Hawke's Bay United goalkeeper Scott Morris said the new three-at-the-back formation and hard work secured the win and his first clean sheet of the season.
"We've been unbelievably close to bagging points in earlier games but either the rub of the green went against us or we just couldn't hold on to a lead, so it was an amazing feeling to finally get rewarded for months of hard work," he said.
"The new system has helped us fantastically - we seem to be able to play with the ball a lot more and feel confident and with a purpose."
Morris said he was overwhelmed with a sense of relief and gratitude when the final whistle blew.
"The win couldn't have come at a better time. I know the boys are keen for a nice break, but the boys need to ensure we come back stronger, faster, fitter and more resourceful to continue into 2021."
Hawke's Bay United next face Eastern Suburbs at Madills Farm, Auckland, at 3pm on January 10.
