Alex Hickey
The Napier City Soccer franchise "scored" twice at the weekend in their bid to become New Zealand's top team.
The franchise signed Nick Hyde, from East Coast Bays, and turned over Team Wellington in a friendly at Park Island.
Hyde, 29, played professionally in Brunei until last year and was a
key figure in East Coast winning promotion to the Northern League.
Napier City head coach Charlie Howe said Hyde was a "seasoned campaigner" and a fit and strong defender who could score goals.
"We are very pleased that we have signed Nick, his all-round ability and professional experience will complement our game plans," Howe said.
Hyde said he had never won a major trophy but planned to change that this season.
The Napier side scored a 3-1 win over Team Wellington. The capital side are coached by former All White and Napier City Rovers boss Mick Waitt and are one of the favourites for this season's national championship. Another familiar face was also in the Wellington side. Napier City pre-season signing target Mike McKinlay played in central defence for the visitors.
The home side went one up in the 23rd minute with a David Gearey goal. The Wellington team equalised in the second half with a set-piece header from Rupert Ryan but Gearey scored two more, including one from the spot, to claim a hat trick and a deserved victory for the franchise.
Next weekend they travel to Palmerston North for a pre-season tournament with YoungHeart Manawatu and Team Wellington. Hyde will be expected to make his club debut at the Arena Grounds in Palmerston North.
