Ngongotaha's Josh O'Sullivan (left) celebrates after scoring in the local derby on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser
Ngongotaha's Josh O'Sullivan (left) celebrates after scoring in the local derby on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser
Ngongotaha have secured all six points against Rotorua United this season after winning their latest derby 2-0.
The two local clubs met for the second time this season on Saturday afternoon, during a wet day at Neil Hunt Park.
Following a scoreless opening 65 minutes - which saw both teamscreate an equal share of chances - United defender Sam Robinson was shown a red card for swearing at the referee. The match swung in Ngongotaha's favour following the sending off.
United keeper Forrest Dunn was in fine form though and looked like he might rescue a draw for the home team.
However, there was not much he could do when Josh O'Sullivan was given space inside the penalty box. The former United midfielder slotted a shot into the bottom corner to give Ngongotaha the lead with about 15 minutes remaining.
Five minutes later the referee awarded Ngongy a penalty, for a rash challenge, and O'Sullivan scored his second of the match from the penalty spot.
Ngongotaha players celebrate a goal against Rotroua United on Saturday Photo/Ben Fraser
The victory sees Ngongotaha remain in second position in the WaiBOP Premiership as well as claim the prized Federation Challenge Shield off United - which is the equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield in the premiership.
Ngongotaha coach Shane Davis said it was a very equal game for the most part on Saturday.
"It was pretty equal, either side could have taken it, especially during the first three-quarters of the game," he said.
"It was a lot about our guys just being patient and a goal would come, and it did."
He said it was an important three points to pick up, as it kept them close to league-leaders Cambridge. Cambridge also won on Saturday, smashing Tauranga City United 8-0.
Davis said while the three points was the main thing at the weekend, they had not held the Federation Challenge Shield for maybe seven or eight years, so that was a nice bonus.
Ngongotaha defeated United in another close match this year, winning 4-3 during their opening game of the season back in April.
Premiership: Rotorua United 0-2 Ngongotaha, Melville United 1-0 Papamoa, Cambridge 8-0 Tauranga City United, Katikati 4-5 Tauranga Old Blues, Otumoetai 1-0 Matamata Swifts, Tauranga Boys' College 2-4 Waikato Unicol.
Championship: Cambridge 3-0 Tauranga Old Blues (won by default), Claudelands 6-2 Ngongotaha, Te Puke United 3-3 Matamata Swifts, Whakatane Town 1-1 Te Awamutu, Tokoroa 2-2 West Hamilton, Kawerau bye.
