Soccer: Fury charge can revive city rivalry

Lee Garnham, who is also a nationally ranked boxer, threw himself about for AFC Fury. Photo / John Borren

AFC Fury are just one result away from igniting a local footballing rivalry that could reinvigorate the game across the Western Bay of Plenty.

Their 1-0 win against Papakura City FC at a windswept Maramatanga Park on Saturday leaves the Te Puna based-side 90 minutes away from promotion and, by extension, regular local derbies against Tauranga City United.

AFC Fury captain Bevan Woltersdorf was pleased his side had applied a simple game plan.

"I thought in the first half, the way we played into the wind, was great," said Woltersdorf.

"We kept the ball to feet and played to the conditions and I've got to take my hat off to the boys in the first 45 minutes."

He knew his side had missed a number of opportunities to further strengthen their grip on the tie.

"We created three opportunities that should have gone in - I know I missed one. That's why I'm a defender."

The side, consisting of players from countries as far afield as England, Argentina and Uruguay, looked well organised.

Woltersdorf, who played for Mount Maunganui in the club's glory days, said his side would likely not be out of place against the likes of Tauranga City.

"That's what we want to do - get another team into Northern Two. We'd love to create a rivalry like in the old days of Mount Maunganui and Tauranga City.

"That would bring the football into the light and attract a lot of the players who are staying in the region."

A return date with the Auckland club beckons this weekend, with the Fury in a good position considering they kept a clean sheet in a format in which away goals count for two on count back.

The match was played in oppressive wind that effectively rendered the contest a lottery.

Both teams created chances - mostly down wind - but in the end it was the superior touch and temperament of the home side that won the day.

AFC Fury 1 (Shane Jenkins) Papakura City FC 0