Wanganui Athletic's Josh Smith takes the ball, chased by the Feilding United defenders at Wembley Park. Photo/Stuart Munro
It was a good weekend for Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic with a big home win over the Feilding 1sts in the Lotto Federation league, while Wanganui City scored a hard-earned three points against their nearest rivals Hokowhitu, winning 1-0 in the Western Premiership.
The Reds put on a classy display of football at Wembley Park on Saturday against a hapless Feilding United, punishing them for turning up unprepared with a massive 8-0 scoreline.
Athletic were keen to get on the attack right from the off, and moved the ball about at a good tempo, creating plenty of scoring chances.
Their account was opened early through an own goal when the Feilding keeper fumbled the ball into the back of the net after a corner, to both the delight and dismay of Liam Roberts, who will be claiming the goal for himself.
It was no surprise with the style of game that was unfolding that Athletic strolled into halftime with a 5-0 advantage.
The Reds came out in the second half to show that they are indeed true contenders for the Federation title this year.
Another two goals saw Athletic put the match to bed, while Joe Sowden, who converted a penalty that was awarded to Josh Smith in the dying minutes, closed off the game.
Referee Phil Walker had an outstanding match with his usual no-nonsense approach, while being keen to keep the flow of the game intact.
With a hat-trick to Jordan Joblin-Hall, two goals to Josh Smith, and a goal a piece for Anthony Bell and Sowden, Athletic finally looked to have shaken off their nervousness in front of goal.
Having now scored 13 times in the last two games, this will give their goal difference a boost as the end of the league approaches.
The Reds were also handed more good news on Saturday as North End soundly beat current league leaders Team Taranaki 4-2 at Skoglund Park.
This would not have been the debut that Kyle Graham-Luke was hoping for after last week's transfer from Athletic to Team Taranaki.
The loss for Taranaki sets the stage for an epic end to the league, with Athletic now just one point behind the leaders and sitting with a game in hand.
You can guarantee that when Graham-Luke's Team Taranaki come to town for the return fixture at the end of the round that there will be fireworks, as the title will likely be riding on that match.
Next up, Athletic play North End for the first time this season after their previous league fixture was postponed because of the Chatham Cup.
This is a definite must-win match if the Reds are to fulfil their dream of challenging for a Central League berth next season.Wanganui City were lucky to bring home three competition points on Saturday, after another hard fought battle between themselves and the Hokowhitu Rangers finished with a single goal separating the two teams.
It was a blustery day, with the wind playing a huge factor in the momentum, as the two teams came together on a bumpy Skoglund pitch.
The wind was so vigorous that corners and goal kicks were often delayed as players had to recover the ball after it was blown away from the spot where it was supposed to be taken.
With Hokowhitu winning the toss, City were forced to play into the wind during the first half, and endure attacks where the home side were using the strong winds to their advantage.
A few nervous moments were had, with Hokowhitu causing one or two goal mouth scrambles, but ultimately City were able to keep the home side from gaining an advantage with the wind at their back.
Hokowhitu's best opportunity came through a shot that caught a heavy deflection off defender Adrian Ngaau and stranded City keeper Jason Fergusson, but sailed wide of the post to safety.
"We played OK, but we didn't put our opportunities away," said City coach Kelvin Francis.
"I was glad to come in with no goals against us, when they'd had their backs to the wind for the half. There was plenty of goals in that wind."
When asked what directions were given to the team at halftime, Francis said the message was plain and simple.
"I told them that we just needed to continue getting the ball wide.
"Hokowhitu were playing a very narrow game, and we were seeing success when we used the width and stretched them."
The message must have hit home, as five minutes into the second half, Eli Fleming put City captain James Satherly away down the wing, forcing the Hokowhitu keeper to take action.
Satherly manoeuvred himself into making a shot that was parried by the keeper, only to collect the rebound and tap the ball into the back of the net to make the score 1-0 to the visitors.
Hokowhitu managed to stay in the match in the second spell, and held possession well, but were lacking a striker as any opportunities they created simply went begging.
The score remained unchanged at the final whistle, presenting City with a hard earned three points and sending them 12 points clear at the top of the table.
Ruben Warburton was rewarded for his efforts at training by earning himself a start alongside Chris Annabell in the middle of the park.
The two did well to control the game, with Annabell again getting a mention from Francis for his ability to boss the midfield and turn plays in City's favour.
Captain James Satherly was awarded Francis' man of the match for his work in defence and his ability to contribute while getting forward.
City now prepare to host third place Red Sox A at home this weekend, in what should be another test of focus for the Western Premiership leaders.