Mason-Smith sets club record

The five goals scored by Sam Mason-Smith, right, are a new Wairarapa United record for the Central League. PHOTO/FILE

THE goal-scoring feats of Sam Mason-Smith provided the highlight for Wairarapa United when they beat Petone 5-0 in their Central League football fixture played at Maidstone Park on Saturday.

Mason-Smith set a new club record for this competition by netting all five goals, beating the previous record of four goals shared by Kevin Murray and Seule Soromon. It could have been six, as Mason-Smith had a penalty saved by the Petone keeper as well.

Needless to say there was never any doubt who was Wairarapa United's player of the match in what was one of their more convincing performances of the 2016 season. Not only was Mason-Smith spot on with his finishing work but he consistently troubled the Petone defence with his speed and assertive approach. And, as became the norm, he also did his share of defensive duties when required.

Two of the Mason-Smith goals came in a first half which saw Wairarapa United have the better of the exchanges in terms of territory and possession but struggling at times to contain the Petone attack.

Petone's chances of a comeback were not helped when they had a player red carded for a foul on Wairarapa United's goalkeeper Alex Britton early in the second half and that, along with the introduction of player-coach Paul Ifill from the reserves bench, saw Wairarapa United take control. Ifill often provided the spark for his team's best moments on attack and Mason-Smith was lethal, bagging three further goals.

There was a lot to like, too, about the composure and accuracy of Cory Chettleburgh, the spirited attacking play of Callum Elliott and the safeness of Britton in goal. It was his second clean sheet of the day, for he had achieved the same feat for Wairarapa College first XI in the morning.

In other Central League fixtures played on Saturday Wellington United and Lower Hutt City drew 2-2, Wellington Olympic beat Palmerston North Marist 3-2, Western Suburbs defeated Stop Out 5-3 and Miramar Rangers and Napier City Rovers drew 1-1.

Saturday's win for Wairarapa United was hugely important as it lifted them away from the relegation zone and provided the boost in confidence needed before they take on Waterside-Karori in a Chatham Cup first round elimination fixture in Masterton next weekend.

"It was pretty much what we wanted," Ifill said. "There was some really good football played and Sam [Mason-Smith] was outstanding, he was given the room to show what he can do and he made the most of it.".

Competition points: Napier City Rovers 14, Wellington Olympic 13, Stop Out 12, Western Suburbs 11, Miramar Rangers 8, Wellington United 8, Wairarapa United 7, Lower Hutt 5, Palmerston North Marist 4 and Petone 1.