Wairarapa United exacted revenge for their three goal first round defeat when they beat Palmerston North Marist 3-2 in their Central League football match at Palmerston North on Saturday. The final scoreline was, however, closer than it should have been with Wairarapa United conceding a couple of "soft" goals and notalways making the most of their scoring opportunities either. "We probably should have won by three goals" coach Phil Keinzley said. "But we made a couple of silly mistakes and ended up putting ourselves under pressure to get a result." There were positives for Wairarapa United though too, one being the better start to the game than the previous weekend when they battled their way to a victory over Napier City Rovers despite a lacklustre first quarter. Saturday's game actually saw Wairarapa United up by 2-0 at halftime through goals to strikers Seule Soromon and Campbell Banks but it wasn't all plain sailing. At least twice goalkeeper Richard Gillespie was called on to make spectacular saves. The concession of an early second half goal allowed Palmerston North Marist back into the game and then Wairarapa United went 3-1 up when Soromon scored for a second time. The final scoring action came when Palmerston North Marist netted with about 10 minutes of play remaining and despite some nervous moments in the closing stanzas Wairarapa United held on for the win. Strikers Soromon and Banks were both in outstanding form for Wairarapa United, constantly worrying the Palmerston North Marist defence with their ability to make space for themselves At central fullback Adam Cowan was sound on defence and a clever distributor of possession despite battling a foot injury and also shining on defence were Carl Shailer, who had one of his best games of the season, and the ever-reliable Gillespie. Saturday's win means Wairarapa United have the chance to finish as the top non-Wellington side in the Central League series. To head off the top club sides from Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Taranaki would represent an excellent achievement in their debut season in the Central League and it is now well within their sights.
