Soccer: Urlovic off bench at double

Paul Urlovic has put the heat on Auckland City coach Allan Jones with two late goals in his side's win over Hawke's Bay yesterday.

Victory took the defending NZFC champions back to the top of the table but, until Urlovic's late flurry, it was hardly a convincing effort from City.

Jones again left Urlovic on the bench, going with Keryn Jordan and Grant Young as his preferred strike force. But Urlovic grabbed his chance, replacing a largely lacklustre Jordan after an hour.

Jordan had been booked by referee Ian Walker for diving in the hope of winning a penalty just after the interval. Three minutes later the theatrics were for real as he climbed brilliantly to power a well-placed header from a Luis Del Monte corner into the United net.

That sparked some life in a game that for long periods appeared to be heading nowhere. The visitors, who did not force a corner in the match, created a few half-chances, with good work from Chris Greatholder, David Gearey and Dean Johnston, but otherwise hardly threatened.

Urlovic, keen to impress, struck nine minutes from time with a goal out of nothing when the ball was played in by Young. Urlovic controlled well, beat his marker and then drew out goalkeeper Jonathan Gould to score.

A minute into added time, the former All Whites striker claimed his second when he was on hand to head home a ball chipped neatly on by Jonathan Smith.

For United it was another frustrating game. They contained City for long periods but always lacked the killer blow.

In today's action, high-flying Young Heart Manawatu tackle Waitakere City. Team Wellington will chase their second win of the season with home advantage against Canterbury United at Newtown Park, while Waikato will be looking for a second win - and their first since the second round - when they face Otago at Waikato Stadium.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY


NZFC

Auckland City 3

Hawke's Bay 0