Wednesday, August 15th 1973

Thistle Beaten by United

Ngaruawahia United 6, Huntly Thistle 4

Lacking several of its regular team, Ngaruawahia United met Huntly Thistle in the first game of the Baranyai Cup series. This cup is annually contested for between Huntly and Ngaruawahia, normally between the Ngaruawahia 2nd Division team and the Huntly 3rd Division team. However, as Huntly does not have a 3rd Division squad the challenge was arranged against Huntly’s Northern league 3rd Division players.

Goalkeeper Rex Nightingale and centre-half Sandy MacDonald were not available for play for United and their berths were filled by United Reserves.

Play amongst the United team was generally scrappy, being a poor spectator display. Lack of cohesion and understanding allowed Huntly to break through for their four goals. Scorers for Ngaruawahia were Neil Gorman (2), Geoff Brunning (2), Joe Murphy and Steve Haywood. Score 6-4 to Ngaruawahia.