Renovators stay composed for win

THE CHALLENGE: Paul Dalziel and Nick Toyne come together in the City Renovators game with Manawatu Red Sox at Wembley Park on Saturday. PHOTOS/LEWIS GARDNER 090515WCLGFOOTBALL1

A MIXED bag of results were recorded for the Wanganui teams in the Western Premiership on Saturday.

The Wanganui City Renovators recorded the best result of the day with their last minute 2-1 victory over the experienced Red Sox Manawatu A's.

Renovators coach Tex von Kwiatowski spoke before the match of the need for his team to be composed against the Red Sox squad, which featured a handful of former top flight players.

In what was an uneventful first half for the spectators, the Renovators were put under early pressure through an unfortunate goalkeeping error, that saw the visitors walk into the halftime break at 1-0 up.

Red Sox managed to use their experience to control long phases of play, not allowing the young Renovators to get into the match completely.

But it was the second half that provided a better execution of the game plan from the Renovators, with leading goalscorer Neihana Kahl bagging himself a double to give the home team a well-earned three competition points at the final whistle, and helped them climb an extra spot on the table to sixth.

While at times the football on Wembley's main pitch was a lacklustre affair for the spectator, the match just behind the hedge on number two was anything but.

Wanganui City Reserves were looking to correct a spate of poor results in their opening rounds as they set to play the Linton 1sts, and the attitude was clear that this game meant something to the home team as the whistle sounded to start the match.

A few early heated exchanges between the two opponents set a mood for the entire 90 minutes, with both teams keen to assert their dominance over the other. Linton took the lead early, but were not allowed to stretch their advantage too far as the Reserves doggedly kept themselves in the match, yet were not able to close out the game before the final whistle.

The disappointing 3-2 loss for the Reserves showed in the body language of the players and coaching staff alike as they walked from the pitch, knowing they are still waiting to bag their first win for the season.

Reserves will need to quickly pick themselves up this week, and find a way to regroup before next weekend's match if they are to move themselves off the foot of the table.

Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic provided the most surprising result of the day pegging leagues leaders Hokowhitu Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Skoglund Park.

The Reds showed their derby win last weekend, along with a better understanding and acceptance of the new formation the coaching staff are asking them to play, has given them enough resolve as a unit to be able to wrestle out a well-earned competition point against the league leaders on their home ground.

Perry Stewart found the back of the net again to bring the Reds level, but they were cruelly denied the winning goal when they were awarded a penalty only to have Hokowhitu's keeper parry the attempt away.

While the draw still saw them drop down to sixth from fourth spot, Athletic coaching staff were pleased with the effort, heaping praise on the younger members of the club.

And it is that youth development which is starting to show promise from both local clubs, and can only mean great things for Wanganui football as a whole.