Underground FC 2 : Waitakere Rangers 1

Underground FC overcame the odds to upset league leaders Waitakere Rangers 2-1 in the latest round of the NZCFA Major League. What shaped up to be the match of the round, it did not disappoint. Played with a high intensity from the outset it was a thoroughly entertaining match.

Waitakere, an older side, used their experience to dominate periods of the first half. They displayed a solid defense and utilised their younger players in swift counter attacks. These counter attacks applied quick and decisive pressure prompting the need for Underground to constantly retreat in an effort to contain the Waitakere onslaught. Eventually the pressure told, with the defensive line a little high, a perfect through pass put Waitakere's top scorer Cam Thorp in with a straight run at Undergrounds stand in keeper Malcolm Turner to score the first goal of the match. The timing of this goal was crucial for Waitakere as Underground were beginning to find their mojo with Andrew Dunn and loan player Abraham Turner beginning to dictate the passing play. This goal against the changing tide in the match could have given Waitakere the confidence to assert their authority on the match. However a second half surprise was still to come.

After half time Underground switched to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with Dunn in behind the striker. Immediately there was a noticeable change as smoother link up play lead to Underground dominating possession. Key loan players such as Ethan Davidson and Byron de Beer helped ensure possession was maintained and provided fantastic support for the Underground attack to work their way into the final third. Waitakere started to show signs of tiredness thanks to the quick passing play and nicely orchestrated triangles with quick one touch football.

Having been constantly kept in their own half without much possession, Waitakere began to crack under the pressure. Measured build up play from Underground lead to the crucial goal that would decisively change the match. Andrew Hewat having worked hard all match found himself with time and space outside the box. Taking on the shot he struck the ball with exquisite timing curling the ball around the outstretched hand of the diving keeper. The goal shocked Waitakere to the core and from that moment on they found themselves on the back foot.

Underground continued to pile on the pressure as the half progressed teasing Waitakere from the edge of their box. A cross from Dunn presented Ethan Davidson with an opportunity who acrobatically attempted a bicycle kick connecting with the ball only to see it go over the bar.

After several forays into the box Underground got the lead as Dunn found enough space to put in a perfect low cross to man of the moment Andrew Hewat. Hewat made no mistake in scoring his second goal of the match, placing it perfectly inside the far post to the delight of his team mates.

Underground saw out the game with gritty defense and a determination to hold on. Waitakere tried their best but were unable to breach the defense. The win for Underground sees them go top of the table thanks to a West City defeat to BCC Grundies.

Underground showed in this performance their ability to take charge of a game. Their passing play came to the fore this time and showed how effective it can be to wear down the opposition and open up gaps. Their defense is steadily improving and is showing the sort of awareness that can keep out any attack. Next week Underground take on West City, a win could very well see them take out the title. For Waitakere Rangers this defeat is a major blow to their title aspirations, they can only hope results go their way in the coming weeks, a bitter pill to swallow.