Miramar edge Wainui in season opener

Wellingtons Premier Football League kicked off this afternoon for Wainuiomata against Miramar Rangers at a sun drenched Richard Prouse Park.  There was an expectant crowd present and after Miramar failed to beat Wainui in both of last years encounters hopes seemed to be high around the ground.

Even after conceding an early goal to Miramar Wainui made it hard for them with a combination of some good defending and superb goalkeeping from summer signing Michael Howells.  Miramar to their credit dealt with attack after attack from Wainui to keep the scoreline 1-0 in their favour at halftime.

Michael Howells saves Miramars penalty

Miramar made a solid start to the second half and managed to earn themselves a penalty early on which was kept out with another fine stop from goalkeeper Howells.  However the elation was short lived as Miramar scored two quick goals on the counter attack soon after the miss to kill the game off as a contest.

The remaining minutes were played out with Miramar stifling Wainuis attack and even the late intorduction of coach Scott MacLeod Jr wasn't enough to spur on a Wainui revival.  As always the post match atmosphere and speeches in the clubrooms were a bit of craic.

Next up is the trip to Upper Hutt and a chance for goalkeeper Michael Howells to get one over his former club on Easter Monday.