Soccer: Dark clouds loom for Rotorua United

Rotorua United who scrambled to avoid relegation last season have started the 2013 WaiBop season with two losses after newly promoted Cambridge defeated them 5-1 at Neil Hunt Park.

United, who have conceded 12 goals and scored just two in their first two games, will need to show urgent improvement if they are not to spend another season fighting for survival.

The clash with Cambridge never rose above the mediocre but after conceding two early goals the home fans had a glimmer of hope when Gary Hamilton-Irvine scored the side's only goal at the weekend.

It was 2-1 at the break and coach Shaun McIlwaine stressed the need to keep a clean sheet at the start of the second spell.

However Cambridge increased their lead straight after the restart and added two more before the final whistle.

It meant a busy time for Rotorua goal keep Andrew Gibbs who despite a valient effort struggled to keep out the visitor's efforts.

Cross town rivals made it two wins from two with a 2-0 away win against Otumoetai and along with AFC Fury who defeated Melville 2-0, and Tauranga Old Blues who upset defending champions Taupo 2-0, have started with two wins.

Waikato Unicol have drawn their first two games after a 3-3 draw against Whakatane Town, while Matamata Swifts registered their first win beating Tauranga City 3-2.

Division Two results:

Rotorua United 3 Cambridge 4, Tauranga Boys' College 4 Tokoroa 0, Papamoa 1 Hukanui Rototuna 3, Old Blues 4 Te Awamutu 2.