Football: Northland FC stay in drop zone after Cambridge defeat

Northland FC prem player Caleb Russ goes past a Cambridge FC player in their game at Tikipunga at the weekend. Photo / John Stone

Northland FC 0 V 2 Cambridge FC
Northland FC Reserves 2 v 5 Cambridge FC Reserves

Northland FC did everything right on Saturday against Cambridge FC in Lotto NRFL Division 2, except put the ball in the back of the net.

The result sees Northland remain in the relegation zone with three games to play, but Te Atatu's defeat to Franklin and Papakura's win over Onehunga Mangere Utd means there is still all to play over the next three weekends.

The boys in blue started well and took the game to Cambridge, who had used the long-distance trip to have a team bonding weekend at Whangarei Falls.

Scott Burgess and Caleb Russ provided a threat up top, with the ball being worked well into wide areas quickly and delivered into the box.

Despite fashioning a number of openings in the first half, both teams went into the sheds level. The second half started in the same way as the first, and Burgess could only find the crossbar after beating the keeper with a fine effort when through on goal.

The hosts paid the ultimate price for their profligacy in the 80th minute when Cambridge countered and struck a killer blow- Josh Clarkin finishing past Shane Stanners, although there was more than a hint of handball in his first touch.

Jamie Woodlock sealed the result five minutes later as Northland threw bodies forward, and it probably sees the reds into the Northern League for 2019.

Head coach Dan Johnston said: "We asked the boys for a reaction after last week and you could see in training that they were ready. I thought we took the game to them and got our tactics right but unfortunately the result didn't go our way. This season is going all the way to the wire and we have to stay positive because we aren't out of it yet."

Northland are on the road for the final time this year against Onehunga Mangere next week.