RUN: Magmo Viera on the move for Wairarapa United.
It wasn't always pretty but Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa United could take plenty of positives from their 1-0 win over defending champions Miramar Rangers in the Central League football match played before a good-sized crowd at Queen Elizabeth Park oval in Masterton on Friday.
Just beating an old foe who has generally had the "wood" on them in recent seasons was, of course, a huge plus in itself, and to do it with limited preparation and under the guidance of a new coach, former Phoenix star Paul Ifill, only added to the merit of the success.
Pleasing too was the attacking approach adopted by the local side even though the accuracy around it was not always what Ifill would like it to be.
Interestingly it was a couple of recruits from Miramar Rangers, Cory Chettleburgh and Sam Mason-Smith, who posed most problems for the opposition defence with their high workrates, nifty footwork and clever ball control but regular Seule Soromon was a little less impressive and Ifill himself made a huge impression when he entered the fray in the second half.
His ability to create space and time for his support players through well-timed passes was clearly evident and made one wonder what the end result might have been had he been on the field from the outset. No doubt that will happen in future games.
There were occasions, however, when the attacking intent of Wairarapa United actually proved more of a hindrance than a help. Rushed passes saw Miramar Rangers pounce on loose balls and mount dangerous attacks and possession was also too often turned over through players relying on their individual skills to make ground rather than working in concert with their teammates.
It wasn't all beer and skittles on defence for Wairarapa United either. Several times during the course of the game Miramar Rangers managed to make decent metreage through the midfield without being challenged but to the home team's credit the likes of Sam O'Regan and Ollie Rowland invariably managed to scramble back and ensure that shots at goal were hurried, and generally off target.
Having said that though goalkeeper Matt Borren still had a busy day between the sticks and it spoke volumes for his courage and athleticism that Miramar Rangers did not manage the goal which, on the overall run of play, they probably deserved.
As it happened the only scoring action of the match came in the first half when Wairarapa United counter attacked from deep inside their own territory and the Miramar Rangers defence was outflanked down the right side. There to pick up the cross from wide out was Magmo Viera and he slotted the ball into the net.
Matches in the Capital Football men's competitions also got under way on Friday and Wairarapa-based teams were undefeated. In second division Douglas Villa beat Island Bay United 2-1, Wairarapa United seconds beat Western Suburbs 4-1 in their third division game while in the fourth division Property Law Services Masterton beat Island Bay United Sea Captains 3-2.
Central league games continue today with Wairarapa United meeting Palmerston North Marist at Memorial Park, Palmerston North, starting at 3pm. Marist were upset 2-1 winners over Wellington Olympic on Friday and seem certain to provide spirited opposition at their home venue. Also today the Wairarapa United women's team will begin their 2015 Capital second division campaign with a game against Island Bay Sharkettes at Wakefield Park, starting at 1pm.