Wednesday, August 29th 1973

Ngaruawahia 2, Waikeria 1

Results: 4th Div Ngaruawahia Green 0 Wanderers 13, 2nd Div Ngaruawahia 2 Waikeria 1.

Meeting Waikeria for the first time in this subsidiary competition, Ngaruawahia United reversed the score netted at the last meeting by outplaying the visitors in most areas.

Waikeria played their typical game, consistent with inexperience and had United back-pedalling from illegal challenges and tackles. They kept United this way for the entire first half until replacement Steven Hayward came on and made his presence felt in no mean manner by giving as good as he got. It was at this stage that Waikeria folded.

George Sunnex wrong-footed the first goal from 20 yards out that scorched into the Waikeria net. Joe Murphy playing on the left wing for Ngaruawahia made the best goal of the season when he met a Steve Hayward cross and headed it into the far corner of the net.

Waikeria’s goal was a pearler. Their right-winger took the ball all the way up the right wing and blasted it past an unsighted keeper into the top left corner of the net from the right-hand corner of the penalty box.

Ian Todd played a solid game at centre-back with George Sunnex and Ken Chisholm showing improved form. Neil Gorman seemed to have one of those days where staying in bed would have been the best thing. He was unable to get to the ball to make shots of any consequences.

At this stage of the competition, with one game to go, all teams have had a win and a loss. If United can beat Otorohanga this Saturday and Waikeria draw with Te Awamutu, Ngaruawahia United will take the Cup.