Soccer: United ride their luck against Fury

Rotorua United had a crucial 4-1 win over AFC Fury in WaiBop Federation football as the battle at the bottom of the league continues, while Taupo and Claudelands Rovers are still separated by just a single point at the top.

Rotorua started nervously against Fury and should have been a goal down in the fifth minute when untidy defence presented the visitors with a open goal at Neil Hunt Park at the weekend.

With keeper Andrew Gibbs beaten the ball was heading for the net, but Fury's celebrations were cut short when one of their players got in the way and "saved" it on the line.

The slice of luck was what United needed to settle their nerves and they took the lead with a goal from Ben McLean.

Fury converted a penalty in the 10th minute to make it 1-1 but, to the relief of the United supporters, Josh O'Sullivan scored to give them a 2-1 lead at the break.

United had the better of the second spell and O'Sullivan gave them some breathing space when he headed home from a corner in the 75th minute. Gary Hamilton-Irvine assured the home team of three vital points when he scored late in the game.

"It has been a character building season," United coach Neil Rush said. "We are not out of the woods yet but that was a good win, and three valuable points."

Ngongotaha moved into third equal place without breaking a sweat after bottom-placed Otorohanga defaulted their game which was scheduled for Stembridge Rd. While disappointed at not having a game, Villagers coach Shane Davis took the opportunity to watch cross-town rivals United.

Old Blues coach Andy Legget was less than impressed with the pitch and the standard of refereeing after his team was beaten 3-1 by Waikato Unicol.

"The ground was basically unplayable and the game was a lottery. As for the officiating, - well the least said the better," he said.

It was a scoreless first half but Unicol were ahead 3-0 before Steve Flude scored for the visitors late in the game.

Taupo cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Melville United, with goals to Paul Stewart and Dillon Caldwell. That was the score at half time and Taupo stroked the ball around in the second spell dominating possession and territory but failing to add to their total.

Claudelands Rovers kept in touch with Taupo with a 3-1 win over Whakatane Town at Gower Park.

Otumoetai's up and down season continued as they were beaten 3-1 by relegation-threatened Tauranga Boys' College.

The division two competition concluded with Cambridge beating Te Awamutu 2-1 while West Hamilton also won 2-1 against Rotorua United.