Ngongotaha let big lead slip away

Rotorua football fans must be pulling their hair out as both Ngongotaha and United come away with draws in their latest WaiBop Federation league clash.

Ngongotaha will be the most upset of the two teams. The villagers were ahead 4-0 at the break. But let their opponents, Old Blues, come storming back at Stembridge Rd at the weekend.

The home side's supporters would have been more than happy at half time after two penalties converted by Isaac Haua, and goals from Josh Haua and Dwayne Willemsen gave the Villagers a comfortable lead. Despite losing Moses Davis, after being red carded in the first half.

It all turned to custard after the break for the home side when Simon Ti Kiri was sent off and Old Blues were rejuvenated with Franz Marco and Andy Cooper scoring two goals apiece.

The result means Ngongotaha with 7 points, sit fifth-equal with Melville on the points table behind Taupo 15, Claudelands 12, AFC Fury 10 and Whakatane 9.

Languishing at the bottom of the table with one point, United may see some light at the end of the tunnel. Winless so far this season. The city-siders were able to snaffle a draw after being down 3-0 in their game against Unicol.

The comeback came in the second half, from their striker Gary Hamilton-Irvine who found the back of the net twice before Brad Hill scored the equaliser.

Although they are still winless, Rotorua United coach Neil Rush took some relief from grabbing a point for the draw.

"We made another poor start but the boys showed character to stay in the game and at the end we nearly won."

Taupo are still the only unbeaten team in the WaiBop Federation league after a 2-1 away win over Otorohanga.

Claudelands Rovers also retained the Challenge Shield when they beat Tauranga Boys' College 3-1, while AFC Fury defeated Whakatane Town 2-1 to move into third place.

Melville United put their recent run of poor results behind them with a 4-2 win over Otumoetai at Gower Park.

The scoreline suggests the Taupo and Otorohanga encounter was a close game but the reality was Taupo dominated territory and possession only to squander myriad scoring opportunities.

There was no score at half time but five minutes after the restart Jesse Smith opened the scoring before Chris Roberts made it 2-0.

Otorohanga pulled one back with 10 minutes to play but the final score of 2-1 flattered the home side.

Taupo coach Paul Drake was happy with his team's overall play but acknowledged they needed to start capitalising on the scoring opportunities they are creating.