ASB National League
Dunedin, 2011-12
Otago Action
Otago WOWS Wellington 
Rab Smith
Two - nil up after 11 minutes, Otago United shocked the highly rated Team Wellington in an ASB premiership football match played at Dave Farrington park yesterday, but as the adrenalin evaporated it was an uphill battle for Otago as Wellington climbed back to the final 2-all scoreline.
Clearly Otago has posted warning not to be taken lightly, as Ant Hancock ( pic right at training, Forrester park ) drove a powefull volley at 
Wellington keeper Phil Imray, then calmly netted the rebound after one minute.
Then it was Hancock again, from a corner, driving another fierce volley that rebounded from Wellington’s woodwork, and Darren Overton calmly placed in goal number two after 11 minutes.
Clearly rattled, Wellington coach Matt Calcott urged his team onwards, and exerted some pressure on Otago, culminating in the 25th minute with Tristan Prattley ( below ) slicing in an ‘Own Goal.’
Just on halftime, Otago had a seven man wall erected to defend a Michael Eager effort, and in the typical melee, Craig Ferguson ( Pic right )was yellow carded by referee Mirko Benischke – a booking that had grave consequences later.
Leading 2-1 at halftime, Otago coach Richard Murray asked for sustained effort, and got it from his gallant United team.
Even with Wellington pressure increasing, Seamus Ryder and Hancock continued to make incisive attacking runs, but from a clever freekick by Darren Cheriton, Nick Branch headed across the area, and from a Tyson Holmes touch, Karl Whalen laced in the equalizer after 55 minutes.
Worst was to follow as defender Ferguson attracted another yellow, he was then red 
carded by referee Benischke with 23 minutes left , and Otago was down to ten men facing an inevitable onslaught by Wellington.
Keeper Peter Evans saw plenty action, but the near veteran hung in with 
some brave goalkeeping. Game until the last, Otago frightened Wellington’s support when Ryder wriggled free and used pace to set up Joel Stevens who shot narrowly over the crossbar.
But generally it was backs to wall stuff from Otago, with Matt Joy – who had replaced the injured Jude Fitzpatrick – in the thick of it, and Sam Mepham battling to the bitter end.
But maybe not so bitter, as coach Murray praised his players early attacking bravery, and dogged 10 man defence near the finish.
Murray said,’ It was a great effort by Otago. Down to ten men, decimated by injuries to Fitzpatrick, MacGregor, but offset by some superb performances – especially keeper Peter Evans who was immense.’
‘Striker Hancock has come out of the shadows. So long rated highly, but today he stamped his name on the game against top opposition.’
‘ Our midfield, without Harley Rodeka who took ill days before the match, was full of skill and energy. Darren Overton, Mike Cunningham and Sam Mepham were excellent.’
‘ There is a long way to go in this League, but I could not ask for a better start, and we were close to grabbing all three points, said Murray.
Team Wellington 2 (own goal (Tristan PRATTELY) 25’, Karl WHALEN 55’)
Otago United 2 (Ant HANCOCK 1’, Darren OVERTON 11’)
Halftime: 1-2
Waitakere United 3 (Jake BUTLER 41’, Allan PEARCE 80’, Roy KRISHNA 83’)
Hawke’s Bay United 0
YoungHeart Manawatu 0
Canterbury United 4 (Russell KAMO 1’, George SLEFENDORFAS 5’, 30’; Aaron CLAPHAM pen-51’)
Waikato FC 1 (Adam THOMAS-pen 38’)
Auckland City 5 (David MULLIGAN 23’, Manel EXPOSITO 50’, 63’; Emiliano TADE 54’, 88’)
The Otago United squad is,
Goal Keepers: Callum Flaws (Caversham) Peter Evans ( Roslyn ),
Defenders: Zac Rathbone (University), Jude Fitzpatrick (Miramar), Tom Connor (Roslyn), Matt Joy (Dunedin Technical), Tristan Prattley (Dunedin Technical), Craig Ferguson (Southland)
Midfield: Mike Cunningham (Roslyn), Darren Overton (Caversham), Seamus Ryder (Caversham), Harley Rodeka (Caversham), Sam Mepham (Roslyn), Morgan Day (Mosgiel)
Strikers: Ant Hancock (Caversham), Donnie McGregor (unattached)
Academy Players: Matt Brook (Mosgiel), Andrew Ridden (Southland) Nick Hindson (Dunedin Tech), Jackson Mitchell (Grants Braes), Joel Stevens (APFA - Chch)
| ABS Prems | P | W | D | L | For | Ag | GD | Pts |
| Auckland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Canty | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Waitak. | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Otago | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Wellington | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| H. Bay | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| Waikato | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
| Manawatu | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Next Match 6th November
Otago United v Waitakere United
Forsyth Barr Stadium,
Dunedin,
2pm
Otago United Match tickets ? Just click Stadium 