Wednesday, June 2nd 1976
Charlie Uses his Head
Waikato 1st Division
Leading Cameron by one match point, United were determined to increase that gap when they met in the local derby for the Waikato 1st division championship.
Both teams looked sharp as they commenced the match, seeking an early goal that would count for much. United’s defence was strengthened by the current new signing of Kerry Boyd in forming a defensive trio of the best backs the club has fielded this season – Boyd, Todd and Bowers. Murray Liddle, at his psychological peak would prove no easy obstacle for the Cameron forwards, if they could get through the backs.
Both teams played fast and solidly with United tackling as hard and as frequently as Cameron. Charlie (golden-head) Gorman back-headed United’s first goal after 10 minutes to give his team the edge. Spurred on by this deficit Cameron pressed hard but could not effectively get past the backs. Keeper Murray Liddle was never extended and dealt with the ball confidently.
At the turn Cameron had the wind advantage and a loose defensive situation saw Cameron’s Barry White snap a shot through a gap too powerfully for the keeper to get to, to equalise.
Boyd combined with McLaughlin effectively up the rarely-used left wing and one such move was developed and driven across the mouth of the Cameron goal for Charlie Gorman to drive onto for goal number two. At this stage Cameron knew that time was against them and the ensuing long-range shots served only to give the United defence goal-kicking practice.