Hawke's Bay United in with play-off chance after shock victory over Hamilton

Hawke's Bay United climbed off the bottom of the table thanks to goals from Ahmad Othman, Jorge Akers and Jim Hoyle. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay United climbed off the bottom of the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership table and
are only two points off third place after a 4-1 away win against Hamilton Wanderers on Sunday.

The hosts started strongly, but that quickly faded after United's opening goal from Jorge Akers, set up by South Sudanese international Manny Achol in the 14th minute.

Hawke's Bay netted a second 15 minutes later after a well-worked move was finished by Ahmad Othman past Hamilton goalkeeper Matt Oliver, thanks to another Achol assist.

However, the goalscorer's limelight was short lived as former HBU midfielder Josh Signey was sent off having received a second yellow card for a challenge in the lead up to the goal, leaving the home side down to 10 men.

Hawke's Bay United head coach Chris Greatholder said even with being 2-0 up, the sending off of Signey didn't give United an advantage.

"That probably helped them until the end of the first half I thought, rather than help us," he said.

Hamilton pulled a goal back before half time through Joe Harris' powerful, 34th minute
free kick.

Greatholder said they had to reassess their tactics at half-time after an emotive and entertaining first half.

"We changed our shape slightly to make sure we were countering their threats," he said.

"It worked wonders, as we stopped their threats from hurting us and as the game progressed, I thought we dominated."

After a slow start to the season Hawke's Bay United head coach Chris Greatholder said his team have "dragged themselves" into the mix. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay took control of the second half slotting in two more goals to see out what Greatholder said turned out to be a "comfortable" victory.

The visitor's third goal came from Akers, who headed home from a corner in the 60th minute – the forward's third of the season.

The fifth and final goal of the match, to seal Hawke's Bay's unbeaten run of four games, was a leaping header from vice-captain Jim Hoyle.

After a slow start to the season, Greatholder said his team are now well and truly in the mix and could make the play-offs.

"I feel really proud and pleased we've dragged ourselves into the fight," he said.

Greatholder puts their change in fortune down to belief and growing confidence.

"We'll keep trying to go under the radar, a lot of people would've written us off and not believed we could get into it," he added.

"We've got a monster fight ahead of us now if we want to continue grabbing points."

Hawke's Bay United next face Auckland City at 2pm on Sunday at Bluewater Stadium, Napier.