Huntly Press, Wednesday, March 31, 1971
Soccer commences in Ngaruawahia
Ngaruawahia United A.F.C. annual general meeting elected the following officers to the club: President, J. Templeton; secretary-treasurer, A. MacDonald; captain, G. Sunnex; vice-captain, C. Gorman; manager, J. Templeton; coach, A. MacDonald; committee, M. Frankhauser, C. Turner, B. White, A. Rose, G. Sunnex and Miss A. Templeton.
This season promises to be the best yet for United, as several top-flight players have been registered, with many of 1970’s remaining as improved experienced players. A solid training programme is well under way and two pre-season games have been played.
United hopes to move onto its home ground at Centennial Park, Ngaruawahia, as soon as the council erects toilets.
The first match of the season was against the A.F.F.Co. Sunday team. This team provided no challenge to United, although the game was an enjoyable one. United scored 10 times, conceding none. This was the first game of the season on the new park.
The second match was against Frankton Railways. This was held on Regatta Saturday, but despite this there were supporters present. United fielded their senior team in the first half and scored their first goal from a well-placed pass from the backs to Charlie Gorman, who found the corner of the net before the keeper could get there. Their second goal came from a direct free kick outside the penalty area. For some reason, Steven Barr’s chip shot was left by the keeper and it settled into the net. Just before half-time Railways scored from a good forward movement.
United made seven changes in the team during the interval so that the schoolboys who had turned up could get a game. Malcolm Burt scored for United from a fine solo run shortly after the whistle. The schoolboys could not contain the Railways forwards, and Railway ran out the winners by 5 goals to 3.
Goal-scorers for United: C. Gorman 4, S. Barr 2, S. Baranyai 2, M. Bell 2, A. Rose 2 and M. Burt 1, to make 13 for and 5 against this season.
Intending players are welcome to attend calisthenics with the team in Ngaruawahia High School Hall on Thursday nights.