City's hard work pays off

A quick jaunt down to Palmerston North proved fruitful for the Wanganui City side on Saturday as they took maximum points in their Federation League match against Palmerston North End, running out 3-2 winners with almost the last play of the game.

City started comfortably enough and an early Kevin Keegan strike had them in front, but as their opposition have proved in most matches this season to be dogged, it wasn't long before North End had not only equalised but then grabbed the lead to take into the half-time break.

City rallied and were good value for their win.

Zane Robinson, who has found some form of old lately, netted after City piled on the pressure.

And then it was young defender Shaan Stuart who found the winner for his side to take the plaudits.

It was a win which amazingly sees the City side, along with four other teams, within one victory of taking second spot in the league ladder.

If comparisons are to be made from a championship winning season last year, the mediocre start to the campaign is turning around and the change in form bodes well for the future.

With the youngsters being brought through in stages for the side this year, gaining experience at the highest level available will be invaluable.

Manager Glenn Graham was pleased with the team's attitude and work rate, which he thought ground out the result.

Athletic shine

It was also a productive road trip in the Western Premiership for Wanganui Athletic when they earned their second consecutive win of the season with another 4-2 victory, this time over Takaro Titanz. Following on from a local Derby win last weekend a result which has shown the young side that they do in fact have the ability within the team and with a continuation of hard work, Mike Cronin's side have started to show their worth.

They must look for another positive outcome when they take on Gisborne next weekend in the Federation Cup opening round.

It was not a good day however for the Wanganui City Reserves when they were handed a footballing lesson by Redsox Rovers.

The latter grabbed back top spot on the table for the time being with a comprehensive 4-0 win at Wembley Park.

While City were understrength, manager Steve Welch was not using excuses for a second consecutive outing from his side and will look forward to some hard work at training to remedy their possession and decision making frailties at the moment.

Results

Federation League: Wanganui City 1sts 3 PN End 2.

Western Premiership: Redsox Rovers 4 Wanganui City Reserves 0; Wanganui Athletic 1sts 4 Takaro Titanz 2.