Soccer: Waitakere win away to stay on top

Christopher Bale of Waitakere in action. Photo / Getty Images

Waitakere United maintained a perfect record in the O-League with a 1-0 win over Mont-Dore yesterday, the Aucklanders' first ever win in New Caledonia.

A first half goal from Welshman Chris Bale proved enough for 10-man Waitakere to claim the spoils and consolidate their place atop Group A with three wins from three.

After winning both of their opening fixtures in the friendly confines of Fred Taylor Park, triumphing on the road in 30 degree heat would have proved especially satisfying for Neil Emblem's side.

"This is the third time I've been here and the first time we've won," Emblen said, whose team had drawn on their two previous visits to Stade Numa Daly in past seasons, both against New Caledonia's former O-League representatives Magenta.

"I was really happy with the performance and I thought the lads dug deep to get the result. I thought we controlled most of the game, particularly the first half."

Waitakere didn't enjoy playing away from home in last season's O-League, claiming only a point on their travels, so winning a tricky trip to Noumea is a huge boost to their confidence, especially after being reduced in numbers.

"It was obviously going to be difficult after getting a man sent off in the second half but I don't think they troubled us that much," Emblem said.

That extra degree of difficulty came when defender Tim Meyers was given his marching orders for a tackle from behind.

There was still half an hour to hang on but, after a tactical reshuffle, the visitors did so with relative ease.

"We changed our formation around and stood strong towards the end," Emblem said. "I think they were worried about our pace up front so didn't actually push forward that much."

For once, it wasn't Waitakere's pacey front three which put them ahead. Instead, midfielders Martin Bullock and Bale joined forces to fashion the opportunity, with former English professional Bullock crossing for Bale to nip in and head home.

It turned out to be all the offensive output Waitakere needed, as the home side saw plenty of ball in the closing stages without carving out many chances.

The result kept Waitakere on a collision course to meet rivals Auckland City in the O-League final, but Emblem wasn't looking too far ahead.

"We now have nine points from nine and have good control of the group."