Upper Hutt made to work hard for all three points

Upper Hutt had a big away win on Saturday against Waterside Karori and the home crowd were expecting more of the same today against Wainui.  Having conceded 10 goals over both of last seasons encounters you could almost forgive the home support being so expectant.

Michael Barnes shepherds his man to safety

Upper Hutt were full of running and put together some great passing moves but the Wainui defence were up for the challenge today.  It took Upper Hutt all of thirty minutes to break the deadlock with a well worked move down their left wing.  Wainui hit back staright away with a goal from Josh Wilkie but it was ruled out for a push on the keeper.  With half time fast approaching and the game finely balanced Upper Hutt were awarded a penalty which was placed calmly past Michael Howells.

Upper Hutt clear their lines

Upper Hutt started strongly in the second half but after some good goalkeeping denied them a third Wainui slowly started to creep back into the game.  Cameron Blake playing up front, with his broken arm all wrapped up, showed some nice footwork to daze and confuse the home sides defence and create some chances but unfortunately the finish just wasn't there.  A late chance did arrive from a Mark Manzone cross which was just about cleared off the line.

There were a couple of injuries today but hopefully it won't impact too much on the team as they get ready for another outing this Saturday which will probably be at Richard Prouse Park, here's hoping that the good weather continues.