Soccer: Kamo prove a handful for FC Whangarei side

Kamo have progressed through to the next round of the Stafford Choat Cup with a 5-1 win over FC Whangarei, however they didn't have it all their way.

Kamo coach Nick Smith gave credit to FC Whangarei, who compete in a lower grade, after they stormed out the gate to snatch an early 1-0 lead about 15 minutes in.

"It was a good performance from them," Smith said.

"We sort of got cold at the start of game and they came out looking to play, and we weren't there."

With Kamo having a slow start, Andrew Dunn stood up to bring his side back into the contest as they went to the break 2-1 up.

"The determination he showed to get us back with an equaliser and his contribution on the field was just great," Smith said.

FC Whangarei coach-come-minder Ian Cross explained that his side always had to make an effort when playing a side like Kamo, saying the pace of the game is just that much quicker.

"A lot of guys have played at a high level [in his side]," Cross said. "We started off [and] we knew we could hit them off the break.

"[But], they came out firing in the second, and then unfortunately had a red card on the goal line for an accidental hand ball.

"[Even with the red card], we tried staying attacking, we only stayed with 3 at the back, and stayed in there for the next 10-15 [but the] last 10-15 minutes their extra man really made it count."

Cross said his whole team had a really strong game, adding that no one played poorly but the player of the day was Adam Tremain.

"Just in general I was pretty proud of the whole team."

In other Stafford Choat results available, Tikipunga beat Kerikeri reserves 4-nil while Central Brown went down to Kerikeri 2-1.