Soccer: Auckland and Waitakere maintain unbeaten start

Auckland City goalkeeper Phil Imray. Photo / Getty Images

Waitakere United and Auckland City maintained their unbeaten start to the national soccer league season after a win and draw, respectively, at the weekend.

Waitakere United forward Allan Pearce hit a brace to go alongside a Roy Krishna strike to seal a 3-1 win over Hawke's Bay United at Park Island today and give the defending champions their second win on the trot.

It was tough start for Hawke's Bay who fell behind to a Pearce goal after just two minutes. Krishna doubled the visitor's lead on 17 minutes before Pearce stretched the lead to 3-0 just 2min into the second half.

Hawke's Bay United rallied at the end when striker Leon Birnie pulled one back for the hosts after he finished from close range following a cross from Andy Bevin.

But Waitakere United held on to wrap up all three points.

Yesterday, Team Wellington pushed Auckland City all the way in a tense encounter with goalkeeper Phil Imray the hero following his late save from a Daniel Koprivcic penalty kick that helped seal a 0-0 draw for the hosts at David Farrington Park in Wellington.

After an evenly matched first half, the balance appeared to tip in Auckland's favour when Wellington captain Karl Whalen brought down Adam Thomas.

But Auckland striker Daniel Koprivcic could only watch as his spot kick was saved by Imray's legs.

Auckland had the ball in the net in the final minute but Stu Kelly's effort was disallowed for offside.

- NZPA