Napier City Rovers remain unbeaten in the Central League after beating North Wellington 5-4. Photo / Paul Taylor
Napier City Rovers remain unbeaten in the Central League after beating North Wellington 5-4. Photo / Paul Taylor
Napier City Rovers remain at the top of the Central League table following a nine-goal thriller at Bluewater Stadium.
Rovers remain unbeaten after two rounds of the new-look competition after beating North Wellington 5-4 on Friday.
The hundreds in attendance in Napier didn't have to wait long for the firstgoal of the match, with English-born midfielder Liam Schofield opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute.
The 27-year-old missed his first attempt after Luke Minshull was bought down in the box but netted at the second after North Wellington keeper Sacha Nathu prematurely came off his line.
Schofield scored his second spot kick of the day just eight minutes later in what was to be a blockbuster opening 45 minutes.
North Wellington pulled one back through Cameron McKenzie in the 22nd minute, before Rovers striker Josh Stevenson gave the hosts a 3-1 lead in the 35th minute and Zac Madsen made it 4-1 soon after.
With the first half drawing to a close, former NCR and Hawke's Bay United forward Gavin Hoy pulled another goal back for the visitors with a free kick seconds before half time.
The action continued after the break with another familiar face to the NCR faithful, Corey Vickers, scoring for North Wellington early in the second half, before Maximilian Batchelor netted from the penalty spot to tie the match and set up a grandstand finish.
Rovers Benjamin Wade won it for Rovers in the 75th minute, with the home side able to see out the remainder of the match – despite the officials adding eight minutes of injury time.
Napier City Rovers midfielder Liam Schofield celebrating after scoring against North Wellington. Photo / Paul Taylor
Schofield said the squad's hard work in training has helped them start the season strongly.
"We knew the game would be a tough one, but we couldn't be any happier with two wins from two," he said.
"I was really happy I could contribute with two goals and most importantly get the three points for our first home game of the season in front of a great crowd."
Schofield said the team's focus for the season is to give 110 per cent in training and matches, which has been on show in the opening matches.
"Our work rate in the last two games has been fantastic and we've set the standards high. There are no easy games in this league, so we have to work as hard as possible and keep positive."
Schofield also thanked the fans in attendance for acting as the side's "12th man" throughout the match.
Rovers utility Kailan Gould said he was excited at the prospect of the season ahead following a disappointing spell at Hawke's Bay United.
