The Wanaka AFC Youth team set up a dominant final 20 minutes to beat Cabins 1-0 in their match on Sunday (June 28).

Off a hard drubbing last week Wanaka Youth were out to regain some pride, putting in a strong performance in a physically tough league.

Youth settled quickly into their task, making a solid start underpinned by a calm back 4 led by captain Nick Ingall. Youth used their superior speed to unsettle an accomplished but fiery Cabins FC.

The match was locked up at half time 0-0.

Youth continued their good ball movement in the second half and an incursion into the box with 20 minutes left to play saw Gerard Bonny brought down. Although the ensuing penalty was well saved by the Cabins keeper, it saw the start of 20 minutes of ascendancy for Wanaka.

They continued to build pressure on a tiring Cabins side and broke the deadlock after a quick move down the left flank saw Jack Liddell clear on goal to slot away what turned out to be the only goal of the match.

Cabins’ ill discipline saw them reduced to 10 men but they pushed hard late in the game. The Youth defence kept their composure well and after a nervous last minute or so, saw the game out for a very promising first win of the season.

Wanaka Youth will carry some confidence into next week’s outing in Cromwell.