Wairarapa United conceded three goals inside the last 10 minutes to lose 3-1 to Lower Hutt City in their central league football match played at Lower Hutt on Saturday.
Two of the Lower Hutt goals came after Wairarapa United's Dale Higham was sent off for dissent and all three came after
Seule Soromon had given Wairarapa United a 1-0 lead with a classy individual goal.
Unfortunately Wairarapa United again wasted a number of prime scoring chances.
"I'd say that conservatively we missed four easy chances and probably another two or three we might have taken on a good day," Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley said.
"Quite honestly we should have it in the bag by midway through the second half but it's the old story, if you don't take your chances you keep your opposition in the game."
Individually, there were still some fine efforts from within the Wairarapa United squad, none more so than that of goalkeeper Matt Borren, fullbacks Waisake Sabatu and Nathan Cooksley, central midfielder Pita Rabo and Higham, the latter having probably his best game in the Wairarapa United colours before being removed from the field.
Saturday's defeat could, however, have been a much worse result for Wairarapa United as far as their central league title aspirations are concerned. Leading sides Miramar Rangers and Olympic were both held to draws meaning United is still just 4pts off the pace. They were playing Lower Hutt again today in a Chatham Cup elimination game
