Football: Villagers title chances still alive

Ngongotaha's Luke Barker, being challenged on Saturday against Waikato Unicol, is in a team that have won their fourth straight game. Photo / Ben Fraser

Ngongotaha have recorded their fourth straight win in the WaiBOP Premiership after knocking over Waikato University 4-1. But, despite that good run of form, time is quickly running out for the in-form Rotorua side.

Ngongotaha still trail WaiBOP Premiership leaders Cambridge on the ladder with only a few rounds left to go this season.

If Cambridge FC win their last two games, they will seal a maiden title and, with it, the opportunity to play off for a spot in the Northern Region Football League.

But if they drop any points, it will open the door for second-placed Ngongotaha who still have four games to play.

Cambridge's 1-0 win over Papamoa on Saturday was not anywhere near as emphatic or comfortable as they would have wished, but it secured them three points nonetheless.

Jordan Silvester scored his team's priceless goal during the first half, then Cambridge closed the game out with a strong defensive effort after the break.

Consistency has been key for Cambridge. This win was their sixth on the trot and, with two home games to close out the season, they will be confident of taking this form right through to the end.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha comfortably dealt with the challenge posed by visitors Waikato Unicol on Saturday, with a three-goal second half leading them to a 4-1 victory at Stembridge Rd.

Mitch Miller, one of the Villagers' trio of regular goalscorers, helped himself to a hat-trick while Josh O'Sullivan grabbed the fourth.

The win also means Ngongotaha will hold on to the Federation Challenge Shield until next year with their remaining four games all played away from home. Kirk Newman scored Unicol's consolation goal.

Only two other premiership games were played at the weekend.

Matamata Swifts erased any lingering relegation fears with a 2-1 win over Rotorua United at the Matamata Domain. Shadley Petersen headed the visitors into the lead on 20 minutes before the Allen twins, Logan and Jackson, scored a goal apiece to push the Swifts ahead.

Despite the result, Rotorua United have no chance of being relegated.

Katikati are now the only team still within reach of the bottom two. They suffered their eighth defeat in a row, a 3-1 loss at Otumoetai at the weekend.

In the WaiBOP Championship, the promotion race is definitely now a three-horse race with Kawerau Sports, West Hamilton United and Claudelands Rovers fighting for two spots.

All three sides won at the weekend with leaders Kawerau looking impressive. Their 11-1 victory over bottom side Ngongotaha reserves underlined their relentless desire to go up as champions.

Results from the weekend:

Premiership: Otumoetai 3-1 Katikati, Papamoa 0-1 Cambridge, Matamata 2-1 Rotorua United, Ngongotaha 4-1 Waikato Unicol.

Championship: Matamata 0-4 Claudelands, Ngongotaha 1-11 Kawerau, Te Puke 0-0 Tokoroa, Te Awamutu 1-1 Cambridge, West Hamilton 2-0 Whakatane Town, Tauranga Old Blues bye.

Table standings:

Premiership: Cambridge 52, Ngongotaha 45, Melville 36, Tauranga Old Blues 31, Papamoa 28, Otumoetai 25, Waikato Unicol 21, Matamata 20, Rotorua United 19, Katikati 16, Tauranga Boys' College 14, Tauranga City United 11.

Championship: Kawerau 40, West Hamilton 40, Claudelands 38, Cambridge 29, Te Puke 26, Tokoroa 23, Matamata 20, Te Awamutu 17, Tauranga Old Blues 13, Whakatane Town 11, Ngongotaha 7