Soccer: Ngongotaha in upset loss to Cambridge

The Villagers' faithful supporters turned up at Stembridge Rd but unfortunately the players didn't.

Ngongotaha AFC were favoured to beat Cambridge but it was the visitors who were dominant from the kick-off. They were quicker and showed more desire from the outset.

Cambridge deservedly went ahead in the 15th minute when they scored from the penalty spot and they held that advantage until half time.

The way Ngongotaha came out after the break reflected the stern words that coach Shane Davis would have delivered.

They dominated possession and territory and were back on level terms when Josh O'Sullivan added to his impressive goal tally with a good finish.

But any hopes of a resurgence by the Villagers was snuffed out when a Cambridge striker volleyed home from close range to give his team a 2-1 win.

Taupo started the season badly but after recent good form they were favoured to beat Tauranga City. Instead they were well beaten 5-0 at Links Ave. Meanwhile, Rotorua United are now destined to fight against relegation after a 4-0 loss to Matamata Swifts, while Otumoetai remain anchored to bottom spot after losing 3-0 to Melville.

Tauranga Old Blues retained their lead but dropped their first points in an exciting 3-3 draw with Whakatane Town, while AFC Fury broke their recent run of draws when they beat Waikato Unicol 3-1.

Table: AFC Fury 17 points (7 games), Tauranga Old Blues 16 (6), Ngongotaha AFC 13 (7), Cambridge 11 (7), Whakatane Town 10 (7), Melville United 10 (8), Tauranga City 8 (6), Waikato Unicol 8 (6), Taupo 8 (7), Matamata Swifts 6 (7), Rotorua United 4 (7), Otumoetai 3 (7)

Division two results:

Tauranga City 1 Te Awamutu 3, Matamata 3 Rotorua United 1, Tauranga Boys' 2 Cambridge 0, West Hamilton 2 Old Blues 3.