Football: Western Suburbs show why they are on top of the Central League table

Rovers import Fahad Rwakarambwe discovered it wasn't easy to get around Western Suburbs in round two in early April either. Photo / File

Western Suburbs have reinforced their status as passing powerhouses with a convincing victory over Napier City Rovers in Wellington yesterday.

The Lotto Central League table toppers couldn't penetrate the Conroy Removals-sponsored Blues' defence in the first half but the floodgates opened in the 57th minute with a goal to left wing Dalton Wilkins before Callum McCowatt made it 2-0 five minutes later and again sealed the visitors' fate in the 75th minute at Endeavour Park.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game and they're on the top of the league so it's to their credit as they're a good side but we tried to restrict them," said player/coach Bill Robertson as the hosts ended their six-match winning streak.

That game plan worked, Robertson said, but a couple of lapses in concentration gave Suburbs the opportunity to hurt them and maintain their eight-match unbeaten run with the only loss (2-1) to Wairarapa United in round three in April.

"Overall, I think they deserve to win but it certainly wasn't through a lack of effort so the boys will keep their heads up and go again next week."

He said Suburbs were a good side who moved the ball around well, something that was expected of an exuberant youthful side who trained fulltime.

"We train twice a week and go to work every day but they're a fulltime academy."

Robertson lamented the absence of prolific goal scorer Angus Kilkolly who was serving a match suspension after accruing five yellow cards.

"We just didn't offer the same dynamic attack, I suppose, so they just managed to break us down eventually around the 60-minute mark."

He didn't think the Rovers' fitness regime was exposed in anyway in the high-tempo affair.

The Blues host Palmerston North Marist, who thumped Lower Hutt City 4-1 on Saturday, this Sunday before their Chatham Cup clash against Wairarapa.