Soccer: Kamo ensure destiny in own hands

Kamo's 4-2 victory over old rivals Tikipunga saw them open up a six-point lead at the top of the Northland Premier League - a lead that could be enough to win this year's shortened competition.

Not even Tikipunga's North Force contingent could help them swing the result their way at Tikipunga Sports Park but Kamo veteran Paul Cross said the match was in the balance until the final 10 minutes.

"To be fair there were times when it could have gone either way. It was a good hard game and one we had to win and now the competition is ours to lose," he said.

With Scott Burgess, Tom Taylor and Mark Ruddell making the most of North Force's week off, Tikipunga were well staffed for the game. Ruddell opened the scoring but Shane Stanners equalised to leave the match tied up at half-time.

Kamo started the second spell well and goals to Jeremy Rintoul and Willi Tegerobo saw them take control of the match. A goal from Ringa Dalton 15 minutes from time saw the local side push forward in search of an equaliser but a late strike to Tegerobo took the match out of their reach.

Tikipunga's Clive Adams said it was a quality encounter.

"In the end the roll of the dice favoured them. There were a couple of offside decisions that went against us but that's sport," he said.

Kamo have won four matches from four, with Central Brown, Kerikeri and FC Whangarei equal second on the ladder with six points apiece. The competition's shortened format means there are just six rounds left.In the other matches on Saturday, Central Brown dented FC Whangarei's title hopes with a 2-1 home win, while in the other match Kerikeri beat Madhatters Green 5-2.