Upper Hutt juggernaut keeps on rolling

The Upper Hutt  juggernaut rolled into the valley today just as the heavens opened for this afternoons Premier League encounter.  Unbeaten in ten league games so far this season would conditions very similar to last seasons encounter at Richard Prouse Park be enough to throw them off their stride? 

Cameron Blake about to get a shot away

Wainui made a bright start given the tough underfoot conditions and Michael Barnes had an early effort go just wide of Upper Hutts goal.  The league leaders took the lead soon after however when Michael Howells made a good save but was unable to hold onto the rebound effort.  As the wind and rain persisted chances were few and far between. Upper Hutt could have doubled their lead just before half time only for a timely intervention on the line to deny them a certain goal.

The second half sparked into life right from the whistle as the rain relented for a brief period.  Upper Hutt doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart but Wainui worked down field straight from the kick off and won a penalty.  Cam Blake put the keeper the wrong way from the resulting spot kick to bring Wainui back into the game.  There was a bit of confusion outside the clubrooms with people thinking the score was level such was the frantic start to the half.

Liam Bell battles hard

Upper Hutt then weathered the storm soon after as Wainui had some good chances to level the game and then increased their lead as the game entered the final twenty minutes.  With the deteriorating pitch and weather playing a big factor both teams found the going hard in the final quarter of the game with chances again hard to come by as Upper Hutt ran out 3-1 winners to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games.

The speeches back in the clubrooms afterwards were good value as usual with Shon MacKechnie receiving the man of the match award for a composed performance at the unusual position of centre back.  Then with local hero Ralph Chenery in his club blazer, who earlier in the day helped the reserves to a point with another penalty save, presented Callum Patterson and Josh Wilkie their trophies for 100 league appearances for the club......great scenes.