Soccer: Young city hit

One well-taken Grant Young goal was enough to earn Auckland City a 1-0 win over local rivals Waitakere United in a spirited New Zealand Football Championship clash at Kiwitea St yesterday.

In breaking the deadlock 13 minutes into the second spell, Young ensured City will end the round at the top of the table and has them well-placed to go to the Christmas break in that position. Unlike their lack-lustre display when the teams met three weeks ago, United competed throughout but let themselves down by failing to turn possessions into goals.

Even the appearance of the championship's leading scorer, Keryn Jordan, could not help. City played at pace but found United's centre-back pairing of Dean Tallentire and Matt Cuneen a more formidable force this time.

But Young was again the master. Accepting the central attacking role in the absence of injured Paul Urlovic, South African-born Young was the difference. Behind him Jonathan Smith was into everything, running himself to a standstill in midfield. While Liam Mulrooney, last month's player of the month, did not show out as he has in other games, Smith provided the vital link between a well-organised defence and the front-runners.

Playing with the strong wind behind them, the visitors dominated in the first half. Well-led in midfield by Chris Jackson, United had their chances but could not breach the City defence.

After turning to enjoy the wind, City had a good early chance when James Pritchett ran cleverly on the right, beat three challenges and played square to Reg Davani who hoofed his attempt over the bar. The goal came when Waitakere let the ball bounce and failed to clear on the edge of the penalty area. Young pounced and fired his shot away from goalkeeper Simon Eaddy and into the net. Encouraged by that, City continued to press but could not add a second.

Three games this afternoon will complete the 10th round. Waikato FC will take a new-look side to Newtown Park for their clash with Team Wellington. Waikato manager James Pamment, who will be on the substitute's bench, said yesterday goalkeeper Michael Utting was "being rested for a combination of reasons" including a groin injury. His replacement is Mark Fulcher.

In other games Otago United are at home to YoungHeart Manawatu and Canterbury United meet Napier City in Christchurch.