There were some unexpected results in the latest round of the WaiBop football league.
Ngongotaha lost the lead after they were upset by Matamata Swifts, Rotorua United beat Taupo, Tauranga City defeated Whakatane Town and Tauranga Old Blues had an unexpectedly big win over Waikato Unicol.
Even the most loyal
Rotorua United supporters could not have been confident their team would produce a win when they met Taupo at Neil Hunt Park, but their spirits were lifted after a few minutes when the home side went close to scoring and then Jordan McKay put them ahead from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later Alan Lamb equalised also from the penalty spot, but although they dominated territory and possession the fact that United keeper Andrew Gibbs was not called on to make any saves showed they were unable to create any scoring opportunities. United competed well but their inability to string more than two passes together was their downfall.
In the 23rd minute a long harmless speculator into the penalty box was missed by the Taupo keeper and Gary Hamilton-Irvine was on hand to head home and then just a minute later Gavan Gilbert made it 3-1. Heads were down in the Taupo camp but there was an air of optimism for United as they headed for the dressing rooms.
The second half was a scrappy affair punctuated by frequent free kicks. The Taupo keeper had to be replaced by an outfield player but United did not test him and when Ben Westerman received a dubious red card Taupo were down to 10 men. It looked as though United would hang on for a much needed win, but an own goal gave Taupo a sniff. Regulation time was up but United had to survive 10 nervous minutes of added time. They did this and the 3-2 win gave them three desperately needed points.
