Soccer: Taupo bounce back in style

Taupo bounced back from their first loss of the season to retain the Challenge Shield and the lead in the WaiBop Federation League with a 5-1 win over Old Blues at Crown Park.

Taupo coach Paul Drake said he was happy with his team's performance.

"The difference between last week and today was we took our chances."

Veteran striker Alan Lamb opened the scoring from the penalty spot to give Taupo early advantage and showed his class when he outstripped the Old Blues defence to make it 2-0. Old Blues, who were missing four first-choice players, showed plenty of resolve and Franz Marko made it 2-1 at the break with a great finish.

Taupo had the bulk of possession in the second half and although the Taupo keeper was called on to make two good saves, goals to Jesse Smith, Dave Stewart and Dillon Caldwell secured the win for Taupo.

Old Blues coach Andy Legget said he was pleased with the way his team hung in there.

"It was always going to be a tough ask and being down to 10 men made it harder, but the boys can hold their heads high."

Claudelands Rovers signalled they have not given up their title aspirations with an emphatic 6-0 win over Melville United to confirm their second placing.

Ngongotaha with two goals from Dane Willemsen revenged their first-up loss to Waikato Unicol with a 2-1 away win.

Rotorua United lost to Whakatane Town 2-1 and their fight to avoid relegation became more difficult. For Steve Turner, who was playing his second game of the season, it was a sweet-sour day. After scoring to get United back on level terms he was sent off after receiving a controversial second yellow card.

Sean Henderson and Paul Taylor were the goal scorers for Whakatane in what was described as a scrappy game.

In division two Clube Alegria upset Cambridge to win 2-1, Katikati defeated bottom of the table Matamata 5-0, leaders Tauranga City defeated Tokoroa 2-0 while Rotorua United had a 2-0 win over Te Awamutu.