Whangarei to the fore in opening game

A polished all-round performance got FC Whangarei's US1 Championship campaign under way with a deserved 4-0 victory over Waitemata, at Morningside Park.
Saturday's game was the first for the team, which is contesting the newly formed league this year, and FC Whangarei man of the match Kyle Mack said his side had no idea what to expect from the Auckland visitors, having never faced them previously.
"Waitemata were a really good side, who were young and fit, but I guess we were a little more experienced. They had a couple of attempts where they could have scored, but they didn't trouble us too much," the centre midfielder said.
While FC Whangarei's start was a little rusty, during the second half the team stuck to the game plan and structures set by new coach Ray Mack, Kyle's father and a former South African  footballer, and dominated the match.
Ten minutes into the game, FC Whangarei striker Darren Green  scored the first goal of the match, only to give away a penalty five minutes later. Goalie Jason Swanepoel made the save of the match and after regaining possession and moving the ball downfield, centre midfielder Wayne Crowley beat the goalkeeper at the far post  from a corner, sending FC Whangarei into the lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, Adam Sharp extended their lead with a long range strike from outside the penalty area, followed by another quality goal tapped in by Steve Crowley.
"It was still anyone's game 20 minutes into the match, but we completely dominated them in the second half.
"Our defence was rock solid and our sweeper Matt Ward directed the troops at the back ...it was a very polished all round performance from the side."
FC Whangarei  play an away match today, against Warkworth, kicking off at 2.45pm, with reserves playing at noon.