Derby Day High

Stop Out were the opposition for Wainui today as they made the short journey over the hill and into the valley. Since returning to Wellingtons Premier League Wainuiomata have failed to beat their local rivals, gaining only a solitary point at the back end of last season. Was today to be any different, or did Wainuiomata have a surprise in store for the Stop Out boys??

Stop Out dominated the early exchanges and almost took the lead after five minutes. Michael Howells showed his class though as he tipped the powerful strike onto the crossbar and out for a corner. Having weathered the early storm Wainui then took the initiative when a free kick from within their own half entered the Stop Out box. The visitors defence failed to clear and in a crowded penalty area Josh Wilkie and Matt Faulkner combined to give the home side the lead (clarification is needed for the goal as it really was a crowded penalty area).

It was a real midfield battle today

It was more of the same at the start of the second half as the visitors again dominated the opening moments and had two narrow misses as they chased for the equaliser.  However, Wainui crept back into the game as they went looking for the all important second. It almost arrived when first Cameron Blake then his brother Jordan had great chances saved by Stop Outs keeper. You felt, however, that the second was always on its' way.

Cam Blake celebrates Wainuis second goal

The goal was delivered in some style with the game in the final ten minutes. Jordan Blake released his brother Cam who beat his man, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home from an acute angle. Cue the celebrations from the home fans outside the clubrooms, the roars I'm sure were heard all around Wainuiomata!! The gloss was put on the performance in the final moments of the match when player – coach Scott MacLeod Jr, on as a late replacement, scored from close range to more screams of delight from the home faithful.

The final whistle was greeted with probably the loudest cheer of the season as Wainui earned their first win over Stop Out since returning to the Premier League. Back in the clubrooms there was a great atmosphere with AJ from Half Baked telling us about the greatest goal ever scored in the valley in their 5-1 victory. And man of the match in the Premier League game was awarded to Matt Faulkner for a sterling performance up front after impressing with the reserves last week. What a day for Wainui though, certainly one to remember.