Soccer: Fisher priceless for Cantabs

Led by a two-goal haul from star striker Brent Fisher, Canterbury United turned in one of the most impressive performances in the two seasons of the NZFC to come from a goal down to beat defending champions Auckland City 3-2 yesterday.

City made life hard for themselves when Chad Coombes was sent off 10 minutes into the second spell but that in no way detracted from the outstanding effort of the Danny Halligan-coached southerners.

In a firecracker start, two players - United captain Daniel Terris and Coombes - were booked in the first eight minutes and by the time the clock had ticked past 12 minutes the scores were locked 1-1.

Grant Young got things under way with a good finish in the 10th minute after build-up from Jonathan Smith and Keryn Jordan. Within three minutes the visitors were back on terms when Fisher headed home.

The pace never let up but with the advantage of an extra player, it always seemed likely Canterbury would sneak ahead.

Within seconds of entering the game as a 65th-minute substitute, Ashley Short smacked home a superb 25m dipper.

To their credit the home side refused to yield and after City keeper Ross Nicholson denied Michael White's point-blank shot, they got back to 2-2 when United gave up an own goal.

The effort began to tell and City failed to hold out the rampant Cantabrians for the remaining 11 minutes.

It was no surprise when, five minutes from time, Fisher worked his way to the far post and headed home the winner.

In the other game, the doom continued to settle over the Hawke's Bay United side as they went down 4-1 to YoungHeart Manawatu in their version of a local derby.

Ahead 2-0 inside seven minutes with goals from Alik Maemae and Commins Menapi, the visitors gave one back in the 14th when Jason Hayne scored for United.

But when Campbell Banks re-established the two-goal advantage two minutes later it was all but over.

Menapi's second on the hour killed it off and allowed Manawatu to join Auckland City, Canterbury United and Waitakere United in a share of the lead at the top of the table, although Waitakere have the chance to sit alone if they can get anything out of the trip to Otago United this afternoon.

Bottom-placed Team Wellington host mid-table Waikato FC in today's other game.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY

NZFC

Auckland City 2

Canterbury Utd 3