Football: Stalwart celebrates as City too classy in Shield defence

Napier City Rovers midfielder Saul Halpin lines up a penalty kick which produced his second goal yesterday. Photo / Duncan Brown

Happy Birthday Wayne ... from the Blues.

Conroy Removals Napier City Rovers 3-0 seventh round Lotto Central League win against Wellington United at Napier's Bluewater Stadium yesterday was an appropriate 70th birthday present for long-time supporter and retired Napier barber Wayne Herrick. A blues supporter since 1980, Herrick, had hired one of the corporate boxes to celebrate the occasion with friends and fellow supporters.

With the victory Rovers retained the O'Brien Shield, which is the code's most sought after trophy in the Central Region, their top-of-the-table status and their unbeaten run which was extended to five wins and two draws.

To be fair if the Blues didn't win yesterday Herrick and the other 300 spectators would have been justified in asking for their money back. It was a case of men against boys with several of Wellington United's more experienced players in Hong Kong on international duty.

Considering the Blues had 22 shots on goal, 21 more than their visitors and 11 corners, 10 more than Wellington United, there should have been more goals. Player-coach Bill Robertson, who impressed with his ability to shut down numerous counter attacks from the gutsy and energetic Wellingtonians, agreed.

"We could have capitalised more. But as we play more we will capitalise more on scoring chances," Robertson said.

However he was impressed with the consistent 90 minutes effort from his troops.

"Earlier this season there were times when we played well in patches and then went off the boil ... today we were quite consistent."

The fact Rovers had to wait until the 38th minute for their first goal was a tribute to the tenacious defence from the Paul Temple-coached visitors. Centre back James Hoyle scored the goal after latching on to a deflection from a defender .

Six minutes into the second half Rovers midfielder Saul Halpin scored the first of his two goals with an individual effort which saw him opt for a narrow route past one defender before his shot beat Wellington keeper Keegan Smith. Halpin scored his second with a 65th minute penalty kick after he was sliced down after taking on and beating three defenders.

As Robertson said all of his players including substitutes Josh Stevenson and Vinny McKirdy deserve praise for their contributions to the spectacle. Hoyle and his brother Stephen up front were busy as was winger Tom Biss.

However Biss wouldn't have been happy with his finishing which was well short of its usual high standard. Rob Pearson was solid in the midfield where Ryan Tinsley impressed with his physicality.

A 69th minute wayward attempt at goal from Liberato Cacacae summed up the Wellingtonians atrocious finishing. However their scrambling defensive work was top notch and keeper Smith was easily their player-of-the-match.

Top marks for enthusiasm on defence for the previously sixth placed visitors went to Omrie Saolele, Sam Philip and Liam Moore.

Robertson and co are away to third placed Stop Out on Saturday. A better completion rate will be a must in this clash if they are to remain unbeaten. Robertson will have an injury-free squad to select from for the trip.