Wellington United's Birhanu Taye (photo TJF Photos)
UNITED HOLD LEAGUE LEADERS
Monday 31 August 2020
Words Dave Webster \ WUAFC Media
Photo TJF Photos
Supersub Birhanu Taye scored a penalty in the last minute of the game to give United a deserved point against the league leaders, Upper Hutt City, at Newtown Park on Saturday.
Taye, who has been recovering from a serious knee injury has played just 24 minutes for United, but his return of two goals in that time has delighted his coach Guillermo Schiltenwolf and the Wellington United fans.
Having beaten second place Wainuiomata 2-0 last weekend in a tough game, United knew they were in for another hard game against league leaders Upper Hutt City. They also had to do it without captain Chas Lawerence and midfielder Martin Packer, both out with injuries.
Both coaches agreed that the first half was pretty scrappy and neither side were able to assert any dominance. Both keepers Crawford Plenderleith for United and Sam Martin for Upper Hutt City were playing well, making good saves and thwarting any chances either side had.
The game was reasonably testy, aided by a particularly boisterous crowd and referee Cameron Gruschow did well to keep control of the game.
Just before half time the ball was bouncing around the United penalty area and when Abdullah Khaled made what looked like a fair tackle, the referee blew and pointed to the spot. Ben Wood slotted it home to give Upper Hutt City a 1-0 lead going into the break
The second half was less testy with both teams playing football, but again it was the goalkeepers that were saving the day for both teams with solid performances.
Leo Villa almost had United ahead when he chipped and beat the keeper only to see the ball bounce off the crossbar.
Just when it was looking like Upper Hutt were going to take the three points back home with them, George Barbarouses broke through and nudged the ball past Sam Martin, who unfortunately for Martin collided with Barabrouses, leaving the ref with no option but to point to the spot. Birhanu Taye stepped up and after a slow run up sent the ball into the opposite corner from where the keeper was diving.
The game finished 1-1, United are now unbeaten in their last five games and will be looking to consolidate a top half finish.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Men's Capital Premier Division
Saturday 29 August, 2020
Newtown Park
Wellington United (0) 1 (Birhanu Taye (PEN))
Upper Hutt City (1) 1 (Ben Wood (PEN))
Taye, who has been recovering from a serious knee injury has played just 24 minutes for United, but his return of two goals in that time has delighted his coach Guillermo Schiltenwolf and the Wellington United fans.
Having beaten second place Wainuiomata 2-0 last weekend in a tough game, United knew they were in for another hard game against league leaders Upper Hutt City. They also had to do it without captain Chas Lawerence and midfielder Martin Packer, both out with injuries.
Both coaches agreed that the first half was pretty scrappy and neither side were able to assert any dominance. Both keepers Crawford Plenderleith for United and Sam Martin for Upper Hutt City were playing well, making good saves and thwarting any chances either side had.
The game was reasonably testy, aided by a particularly boisterous crowd and referee Cameron Gruschow did well to keep control of the game.
Just before half time the ball was bouncing around the United penalty area and when Abdullah Khaled made what looked like a fair tackle, the referee blew and pointed to the spot. Ben Wood slotted it home to give Upper Hutt City a 1-0 lead going into the break
The second half was less testy with both teams playing football, but again it was the goalkeepers that were saving the day for both teams with solid performances.
Leo Villa almost had United ahead when he chipped and beat the keeper only to see the ball bounce off the crossbar.
Just when it was looking like Upper Hutt were going to take the three points back home with them, George Barbarouses broke through and nudged the ball past Sam Martin, who unfortunately for Martin collided with Barabrouses, leaving the ref with no option but to point to the spot. Birhanu Taye stepped up and after a slow run up sent the ball into the opposite corner from where the keeper was diving.
The game finished 1-1, United are now unbeaten in their last five games and will be looking to consolidate a top half finish.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Men's Capital Premier Division
Saturday 29 August, 2020
Newtown Park
Wellington United (0) 1 (Birhanu Taye (PEN))
Upper Hutt City (1) 1 (Ben Wood (PEN))
