Another Game of Two Halves

It was the turn of Island Bay United to make the long trip from Wellington over the hill and into Wainuiomata today. After both sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw back inApril would we see more of the same today?? The odds however were stacked against Wainui having lost their last three games and Island Bay coming off the back of a 6-0 win against Karori.

An early chance for Island Bay

Island Bay came roaring out of the blocks and had some good chances in the opening quarter of an hour. Some wayward finishing helped keep Wainui in the game though. The muddy underfoot conditions were making life hard for the home team and Island Bay took full advantage when a sweeping move through midfield brought about the opening goal of the game. It was almost two a minute later as the ball rebounded off the post to keep the game alive. Wainui survived the rest of the half and made it to the interval within touching distance, a goal could change everything.

The home side came out after the break and stifled the aways team attack from the opening whistle. Liam Bell then sparked the game into life with his first goal of the season to level the game and send the home crowd into raptures. His celebration was a fancy one too as he slid on both knees in front of the home support pumping his fists in delight.

Jubilant players celebrate Joel Evans goal

Five minutes later and the game had been turned on its' head as Mr Versitle Shon McKechnie, playing left wing today, made inroads into Island Bays penalty area. He beat his marker neatly, pulled the ball back to Joel Evans who beat the keeper with ease to give Wainui the lead. It was soon three for the home team when Jordan Blake slammed home from close range as the support from the home crowd got louder and louder.

As the game entered it's final stages Michael Howells made a string of fine saves to deny the away team a way back into the game. There was little he could do about the close range header that gave Island Bay a glimmer of hope as the game went in to injury time. Wainui held on though to record their first victory over Island Bay since returning to Wellingtons Football Premier League.