Football: Ngongotaha fall to first loss as United stay undefeated

Ngongotaha registered their first loss of the season on Saturday. Pictured is Ngongotaha player Harlem Simiona. Photo/Stephen Parker

Ngongotaha have lost their first match this season to Melville United.

Melville defeated Ngongotaha 2-1 on Saturday at Stembridge Road in the Waibop Federation One competition.

Captain Josh O'Sullivan scored for Ngongotaha but his side was unable to rescue the match.

The Rotorua side is now sitting in third place with three wins, a draw and a loss this season.

Ngongotaha will take a break from the tough Federation One competition this weekend to concentrate on the Chatham Cup.

They have been drawn away against Pukekohe in the first round this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Rotorua United are yet to lose a match this season after another solid victory in the Waibop Federation Two competition.

United were 3-0 up and cruising on Saturday, at Neil Hunt Park, before Te Awamutu scored a late goal to make the final score 3-1.

United will also take a break from their league competition to focus on the Chatham Cup this weekend.

They have been drawn at home to face South Auckland Rangers. Rangers, like Pukekohe, do not currently compete in the top-tier Northern League divisions.

The Ngongotaha reserve team came close to their first win this year in the Federation Two competition with a 3-2 loss to West Hamilton on Saturday.