Football: Ngongotaha AFC outplayed by Cambridge

Cambridge players celebrate a goal against Ngongotaha in the opening round of the Northern Region Football League Division 2 season. Photo / Stephen Parker

Ngongotaha AFC's second season in NRFL Division 2 is off to a disappointing start with a 5-2 loss to Cambridge at home.

Josh Clarkin put Cambridge in front after five minutes, at Tamarahi Reserve on Saturday, but Ngongotaha's Yamil Casas slotted a penalty in the 42nd minute to ensure it was all even at 1-all going into the break.

Cambridge regained the lead through Marceloa Sosa early in the second half before Ngongotaha hit back again as Casas scored his second.

However, that is when the wheels fell off for Ngongotaha. They were under the pump after having a player sent off for receiving a second yellow card and, as they tired, Cambridge capitalised with three goals in the final 20 minutes.

Ngongotaha coach Ron Cane said he was pleased with the way his side came back in the first half.

"They conceded early on and a lot of teams just fold up, but we battled away and we got what I think we deserved out of that first half.

Ngongotaha players celebrate a goal against Cambridge. Photo / Stephen Parker

"The game evened itself out at that stage, they had a couple of chances, we had three clear cut chances but just couldn't finish it," Cane said.

He said the sending off as well as a lack of match fitness made it tough for Ngongotaha in the second half.

"Cambridge were fitter than we are because our pre-season has been almost non-existent. I've been trying to get them as fit as I can, but there's no real match fitness, which is always different to training, but it will come.

"Overall I'm pleased, to go down by that many but still keep battling away - the legs went in the end. The spirit is always there."

Cane said the standout player for his team was centre back Cormac Waller.

"For me he was man of the match, he covered a lot of ground at the back and won some important tackles. I had to make changes after the sending off and he coped well. It's like a marriage, when you're with somebody a long time you know their movements. In a football match when you've got a different individual next to you you're not quite sure."

Ngongotaha are in action again this Friday against Te Atatu away. That game kicks off at 3pm.