City coach slams inadequate opponent

City's Jordan Joblin-Hall looks to put another past the Marist Development keeper during their big win on Saturday. Photo: Sharon Francis

Big Orange Wanganui City 1sts wanted real competition from their last Horizons Premiership game before the big Lotto Federation Cup clash this weekend, instead they left Ashurst Domain feeling flat after demolishing Marist Development on Saturday.

Usually, an 8-0 hammering would be cause for celebration, as City remain on top of the table via a massive goal differential advantage over fellow unbeaten team Hokowhitu FC Rangers.

However, even without their top goal scorer Anthony Bell and a smaller bench for the away game, City found Marist Development to be inadequate across the park.

They scored four goals in each half, even after switching to a three-defender screen to be more attack positive in the second stanza, only to find a shattered Development just "parked the bus" in front of goal, with players starting to get in each others way to get their own shot off.

Naturally, the game lost its shape, meaning City coach Kelvin Francis' side did not get the kind of work out they wanted from Marist, ahead of facing Hastings on the road in the Cup.

"They were pretty horrible, to be honest with you. I wasn't expecting that," Francis said.

"Their goalie played really well and their centre back, who I've known for a long time, was his usual uncompromising and tough self.

"But the rest of them weren't up to it. It was too easy.

"As Jason Fergusson said to me afterwards, 'at least you have to be disappointed about scoring eight goals'."

Jordan Joblin-Hall filled Bell's shoes nicely, scoring a hat trick, as did Jamie Lambe after a great game in what proved a bittersweet moment for Francis.

It was Lambe's last match in City colours as he is transferring to Palmerston North to join the Marist club.

Francis said Shane Rufer, the head coach for the Central League team, wanted Lambe closer on hand and this opportunity will expose him to a higher level of football.

"It's a little sad, I have coached him since he came from England in 2009. Kids grow up and move on."

Captain Latham Berry and Max Davidson scored the other goals, with Davidson getting three MVP points after working hard out wide.