The Wanaka AFC premier team caused a boil over in round 9 of the Southern Premier League on Saturday (22 May) with a 2-1 win over the league leaders South City Royals.

Playing at home, Wanaka was out for redemption after an early season 10-2 loss to South City. Recent back to back wins had Wanaka in a positive mindset as they looked to consolidate their mid season form improvement.

South City started the game strongly, with bombardments of long balls and set pieces troubling the Wanaka defence. Wanaka goalkeeper Josh Shackleton made a number of impressive saves as part of a determined defensive effort by Wanaka in the first half.

Wanaka grew in confidence as the half progressed playing patient football. Their best opportunity was from a strike by Toa Roode which cannoned into the side netting of the South City goal.

A 0-0 scoreline at half time buoyed the home supporters who sensed an upset but it was South City who opened the scoring in the 60th minute after some sustained pressure.

With 15 minutes left to play a cross by Wanaka captain Thomas Van Hees deflected into the South City goal to level the scores.

Both sides pushed hard late in the match and it was some excellent midfield play by Toa Roode who slipped a nice through ball to Ethan Arattia to put Thomas Tinka in space to tap home the winning goal.

For Wanaka keeper Shackleton was in outstanding form and was named man-of-the-match.

The win is Wanaka’s third in successive weeks, form they need to continue if they are to have any chance of contesting the top placings in the league. 

This Saturday (29 May) Wanaka will play second placed Otago University in Dunedin.

PHOTO: WAFC