Mangere United won a convincing victory over its opponent Tauranga City at a soccer match held at the Centre Park in Mangere on June 9, 2012.
The match was played between Football NRFL Northern Region Football League Second Division Mangere United and Tauranga City AFC.
The match started at a very fast pace with both teams needing wins to progress on top of the league ladder.
The early pressure from Tauranga City forwards resulted in an own goal.
Midfielder Otis Maddison scored the equaliser to level the score at half time.
The second half was played at an extremely fast pace, despite slightly slippery conditions and 15 minutes into the game, a powerful right footer from lethal striker (19-year-old) Chris Abbott from outside the penalty box stunted the Tauranga defense and the crowd went into celebration.
It was one of the best goals seen during the season.
Expensive blunder
However, minutes later after a melee in front of the Mangere penalty box, a defensive blunder saw Tauranga capitalising with an equaliser.
With time ticking away fast, Mangere United mounted a barrage of attacks at Tauranga goal and in the process, a free kick was awarded outside the 18-metre box.
Mangere free kick specialist and current highest goal scorer of the Northern Regional League James Patrick Hoyt saved the far post with a ‘Beckham-like curler,’ finding the back of the net to give the home side another win.
Mangere United Coach Micky Byrne was happy with the team’s performance and said that there were more to be seen.
Manager Gyanandra Kumar praised the players for their splendid efforts.
Mangere United Team Director Iliyaz Daud and Chairman James Kado were lost for words after the match and thanked all the sponsors and supporters in helping the team reach the level.
