A hat-trick from striker Gareth Webb helped FC Whangarei to an impressive 6-1 win over Te Atatu in the United Soccer 1 Men's Championship.
FC Whangarei side travelled to West Auckland for the hit-out against a tough Te Atatu side in the tightly contested competition and dominated from the outset. At
halftime, FC Whangarei were two up following a header by Adam Sharp and a goal from Webb, who beat two defenders and went around the goalkeeper to deliver it.
Malcolm Green came on in place of Sharp in the second half and found his stride immediately, slotting two consecutive goals within 10 minutes.
With FC Whangarei up by four midway through the second half, Webb added the icing on the cake, scoring another two late in the match.
Te Atatu scored a consolation goal in the closing minutes.
The win, along with last week's victory over Norwest United, pushed FC Whangarei up the table into sixth, while Te Atatu are tied for third spot with Waitemata. FC Whangarei play West Auckland at Morningside Park this Saturday, and the team are hopeful of carrying on their winning form.
Meanwhile, North Force women lost 1-0 to North Shore in the US1 Women's Championship. It was an evenly matched hit-out and North Force dug deep, with a stand-out performance from Dallas Olsen, to keep their hosts from scoring for most of the game.
But with 10 minutes remaining, North Shore got around the defence to deliver the match-winning goal.
North Force Men had a bye with Chatham Cup matches being played, but will kick into action on Saturday, when they host Ellerslie in Northern Federation Division One.
