Football: Ngongataha look to rebound from Cambridge loss

Ngongotaha have suffered a close defeat in Cambridge. Pictured is Ngongotaha goal keeper James Towers. Photo/Stephen Parker

Ngongotaha have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cambridge in a high-stakes match away from home.

Both sides were positioned in the top four heading into the match on Saturday.

Ngongotaha took a 1-0 lead in the first half, thanks to Harlem Simiona, but Cambridge came from behind to score two goals in the second half. Ngongotaha will be hoping for a better result today when they play South Auckland Rangers in the Chatham Cup. That match will kick off at 2pm at Stembridge Rd in Ngongotaha.

Meanwhile, Rotorua United have taken a serious knock to their title hopes in the Waibop Federation Two competition.

They lost to Katikati 3-1 on Saturday during a top-of-the-table clash. Katikati have won all their games in the Federation Two competition this season and did well to overcome a previously undefeated Rotorua side. Rotorua United defender Dave Cheater scored the only goal for the away team.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha's reserve team, who also play in the Federation Two competition, have recorded a good win against Te Awamutu.

Playing at home, Ngongotaha defeated Te Awamutu 2-1 on Saturday.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Football results on Saturday:

Federation One: Cambridge 2 Ngongotaha 1, Taupo 2 Tauranga Boys' College 2, Otumoetai 0 Tauranga City 2, AFC Fury 8 Melville United 0, Hukanui Rototuna 5 Matamata 1.

Federation Two: Katikati 3 Rotorua United 1, Cambridge 0 Tauranga City 1, Ngongotaha 2 Te Awamutu 0, West Hamilton 1 Papamoa 4, Tokoroa bye.