Wairarapa United draw in close fought affair

A depleted Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa United soccer side played above expectations in drawing 0-0 with Olympic in a pre-season "friendly" at Carterton over the weekend.
Olympic were the runners-up in the central league last year and as such could have been expected to over-run a Wairarapa United side missing a number of regular players through injury.
But as the final scoreline would indicate it was a close-fought affair with the scoreless draw being a just result in the end.
Wairarapa United spokesman Phil Keinzley was especially delighted with the way the team's defence coped with what was a busy and skilful Olympic attacking line.
Earlier pre-season games had exposed some deficiencies in this area but Olympic's inability to penetrate there indicated the problems may have been solved.
"We needed the heat to be put on the defence to see how they reacted to pressure situations and it was pleasing to see them respond so positively," Keinzley said.
The experiment of playing usual midfielder James Oxtoby at central defender was a huge success with a combination of Oxtoby's aggressiveness and high work rate often turning defence into attack.
Youngster Anaru Te Rangi also made a big impact at right fullback while up front another youngster Anton Ross and converted fullback Andy Robertson created several good scoring chances.
Wairarapa United will begin their Capital premier division programme over Easter weekend when they will be involved in a double header.
They will have an away game against Western Suburbs, a team they are yet to beat, on the Saturday and then on Monday will be at home to Upper Hutt.