McKenzie keeps Rotorua United's title hopes alive

Rotorua United's Danni McKenzie scored four goals in her side's weekend win. Photo / Ben Fraser

Danni McKenzie's four goals helped Rotorua United to a hefty win, keeping her sides' hope of winning the WaiBOP Premier alive.

The second-placed side beat bottom-of-the-table Waikato Unicol 12-0 at Neil Hunt Park on Sunday, with McKenzie netting two goals in each half.

United dominated from the first whistle going in 5-0 up at the break, in a game which also included Annalise Heuvel grabbing a hat-trick and Rosie Harding scoring two goals, helping their side to an eighth win of the season.

United manager Ron Cane said it was a much improved performance from last weekend's 1-0 away defeat against Otumoetai Bay and he was impressed his side managed to find "their goal scoring touch".

"We put on an excellent display against a spirited side," he said.

"The team kept working and it was excellent to see such clinical finishing.

"We needed to get our confidence back and we went in with the right attitude.

"Danni really stood out, she showed focus and a cool head with her finishing. I just hope the girls take this positive display into our final game."

The win leaves United just one point behind leaders Northern United, who won 3-0 against Claudelands Rovers at the weekend, with only one game left remaining.

United rely on the unlikely result of the league leaders losing against Waikato Unicol in their final game.

Meanwhile, United will be in the hunt for revenge next weekend when they face the tricky re-scheduled fixture against Otumoetai Bay.

Cane said he was resigned to his side finishing runners-up in the competition, although he said "football can be a funny old game".

"We must have a big final push from everyone," he said.

"I don't expect Northern to slip up now but you never know what can happen so we just have to put ourselves in the best possible position.

"I want everyone to enjoy the game and play with a positive attitude, believing that we can win."

Results

WaiBOP Premier League:
Rotorua United 12 Waikato Unicol 0, Claudelands Rovers 0 Northern United 3, Melville United 3 Otumoetai Bay Sportsmed 2.

Women's Bay 1:
Rotorua 1 Plains Rangers 0, Ngongotaha 0 Kawerau Sports 6, Te Puke United 1 Taupo 2, Whakatane Town 4 Papamoa 0

WaiBOP Premier League points (top 4):
Northern United 25, Rotorua United 24, Melville United 22, Otumoetai Bay19