Rotorua United consolidate top spot

Rotorua's skipper for the day, Maddi Ollington tries to beat Otumoetai defender Theresa Rhein during Rotorua's 8-0 win over Otujmoetai at Fergusson Park.

Striker Kim Maguire netted five goals as Rotorua United's women strengthened their hold on top spot in the WaiBOP Premier League Division 1.

The Rotorua side was on the road for the third weekend in a row, taking on Otumoetai at Tauranga's Fergusson Park yesterday, and came away with an 8-0 win. Annaliese Heuvel scored twice with Jordyn Ewert also getting on the scoresheet.

The previous weekend Rotorua had taken over top spot by beating Northern United in Hamilton. On Friday, Northern could only manage a 2-2 draw at Melville allowing Rotorua to extend their lead.

"I stressed to the girls before the game that this game was important for a number of reasons, primarily because this was our first game as league leaders," said coach Ron Cane.

"I said everybody wants to knock you off the top, so it's important that you apply yourselves to the game.

"We scored early and I think that settled us down and then once the second one went in, I thought we were in control."

Cane said a highlight for him wasn't the goal scored, but the fact there were none conceded.

"What we have done has always been built on a platform of solid defence and I am pleased for the ladies. Now they are in touching distance of something special."

Rotorua will have their first home game for some time next weekend when Melville are the visitors.

"They've still got work to do and I hope people turn out for the girls in the last three games and give them support because they've done really really well. They are getting to the point where they know how to play - eight goals away from home, they couldn't do better."

Otumoetai player-coach, former Football Fern, Anna Fullerton said her side was hampered by injuries and the non-availability of players who were representing their colleges at national secondary school tournaments.

"Life has got in the way a bit this week ... that's not an excuse, but all we've said today is go out and have fun, which unfortunately is hard to do when you are on the back foot."