Otago United Clawback....

Otago United clawed back from two goals down to grab a  spectacular 3-2 away win over Manawatu in yesterday’s ASB Premiership in Palmerston North.

Initially it looked like Otago would struggle to clock up its third consecutive win over Manawatu. Coach Stu Jacob fielded a team full of experience and exotic foreign players.

Striker Nobu Ishu, who scored twice against Canterbury last season, did it again with a morale crumpling second minute goal for Manawatu.

Then just when Otago looked to have settled, Manawatu’s Cory Chettleburgh carved through and set up Jimmy Haidakis to make it 2-nil, and the home side threatened a hiding.

But Otago made an inspired start to the second half with penetrating runs up both wings. Pace and quality delivery by Harley Rodeka on the right and Tristan Prattley on the left had Manawatu’s defence scrambling.

Then another top cross by Regan Coldicott was latched onto by Darren Overton and the converted striker slid Otago back into contention with a 48th minute goal.

Then Rodeka stole the ball from Manawatu defender Nathan Cooksley  pounded a fierce shot past keeper Matt Borren, and it was 2-2 after 69 minutes.

Otago was in complete control at that stage. Overton hit the woodwork, and spraying passes from midfield Mike Cunningham had a top game and the eager Rodeka ran riot.

And it was that man Rodeka again who raced onto a super cross from youngster Joel Stevens in the 83rd minute, and clinchéd the 3-2 win, and three valuable points for Otago.

Otago coach Richard Murray said, ‘We started slowly again, but were dominant in the second half. Our keeper Peter Evans hardly touched the ball in the second spell.’

‘ Otago’s wing play and good quality crosses had Manawatu on the rack, and although our finishing was good – we should have scored another couple of goals,’

‘ Overton, Rodeka and Cunningham were on top form, and the rest of the team responded with top performances all round,’ he said.

The win moves Otago onto four points, sharing fourth place with Wellington and Hawkes Bay – who surprised Canterbury 3-nil.

After a week off, Otago’s injury list should improve. Next ASB match plays Hawkes Bay on 27th November.

Otago United Youth team’s lost 2-nil against Mainland in the ASB Football park on Sunday. Otago plays next another away match against Manawatu next Saturday.

Football South Women slipped to an eventual 5-1 loss against Mainland in Christchurch, despite a 21st minute  Mary Fraser goal.

Striker Fraser is now second equal top scorer in ASB Womens Youth National League, and the Footballsouth has played some entertaining football, but leaked goals to end bottom of the Southern Conference.

However if the team stays together, it has a definite future at national level, and will build on the progress made this season. The WYNL finishes next week with a home match versus Capital Football at 1 pm next week at the University Oval.