Football: Point taken rather than lost in draw

Rovers captain Danny Wilson defends against Suburbs player Ihaia Delaney at Park Island yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

First-up draws at home seldom need interpretation but needless to say Napier City Rovers coach Bill Robertson is game to give credit where it's due.

"We're obviously disappointed not to win but we'll keep our heads up and go again next week," Robertson said yesterday after his Conroy Removals-sponsored side came away with a 1-all result in the Lotto Central League opening match against Western Suburbs in Napier.

He rued missed scoring opportunities for his defending champions but also balanced it up with conceding the equaliser after a scoreless first half at Bluewater Stadium, Park Island.

"I think particularly in the second half we had enough chances to put the game away but we didn't," Robertson said, pointing out what he thought were two clear one-on-one opportunities where the keeper made great saves.

"Even if one of those had gone in we would have gone 2-nil up and the game would have been over."

Nevertheless, Robertson said his troops' disappointment also extended to not dealing with the Suburbs' counterattack better as well.

"However, I think Western Suburbs is a good side and will probably be one of the better sides this year so it's a point gained rather than two lost," he said, reconciling the performance with how they had only been together again for a few days so the players could only get better.

While the expectations of players and fans were understandably high after last season's record-making exploits for the Blues, he said they had to work hard to emulate those feats.

The struck first through English midfielder Ryan Tinsley in the 63rd minute of the football encounter after the midfielder rose to nod the ball into the net past Suburbs goalkeeper James McPeake following a goalmouth scramble as the visitors' defenders failed to clear a corner kick.

Suburbs player Noah Bingsley made it 1-all in the 85th minute after fellow striker Matt Walker, working fearlessly throughout the game, scooted past defenders on the left flank to cut the ball back into the 18m box.

The intensity of the game showed on the visitors as they were run out drinks at halftime on a balmy 28-degree day of winter league.

Rovers keeper Ruben Parker-Hanks, who recently had surgery of the nose, wore a face mask and got fitness clearance from the Rovers to play minutes before kick off at 2pm.

When the second half resumed, the Blues showed a lot more intent than the Wellingtonians despite a few handbag situations which referee Antony Riley kept in check.

The Rovers hit the road to Wellington Olympic this weekend before hosting another powerhouse Wairarapa United in the third round.