Ngongotaha AFC lose 4-1 away at Waiheke United

BEATEN: Ngongotaha AFC conceded four goals against Waiheke United on Saturday. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Ngongotaha AFC have suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Waiheke United in the Northern Regional Football League's second division.

However, when you consider Waiheke are unbeaten this season and beat Ngongotaha 7-0 in the reverse fixture, it was an improved effort by the Villagers.

Ngongotaha coach Shane Davis said, all things considered, his side played "really well".

The club's reserve side played in Waiheke as well and with the time and cost involved with travelling player numbers were limited.

"The plan was to go with 24 players overall, but we were down to about 18 when a few pulled out. Out of the two teams some of our guys actually played a game and a half.

"I was impressed with all the boys who went over there, it was an excellent effort. We had to put on a lot of our younger players and they stepped up to that level as well," Davis said.

He said leaving Rotorua at 6.30am and catching a ferry to Waiheke Island was "a hell of an experience".

Ngongotaha's goal came in the 88th minute and was scored by James Nelson, one of the youngest players in the side.

"Mitch [Miller] took on about three of their players, crossed the ball over and James tucked it away into the corner. It was a very tidy goal.

"Scoring that goal, to me, it felt as if we'd won the game. We'd played so well and we were creating chances."

Meanwhile, in the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership Rotorua United lost 5-0 to Te Awamutu.