Soccer: A united defence brings Waitakare early success

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Goalkeeper Simon Eaddy has quickly emerged as the unsung hero in Waitakere United's early charge at the New Zealand Football Championship.

After a couple of Michael Utting blunders in Waikato FC's 2-1 loss to Canterbury United, Waitakere coach Chris Milicich will be even happier with his decision to let Utting head to Hamilton when many thought he would be between the posts for the west Auckland club.

Eaddy, who has conceded just the one goal in 270 minutes of soccer, will again be under pressure this afternoon when Waitakere meet Napier City at Henderson's Trusts Stadium.

But given the defensive effort turned in by Danny Hay, Eaddy and the rest of the Waitakere rearguard, the visitors face an uphill struggle in their search for something better than the one point they've picked up in three games.

Milicich, determined to keep his players focused, has made another couple of changes despite his three-from-three record and a goal haul of nine, headed by slick South African Keryn Jordan's five.

Waitakere ended the third round with a two-point lead. That was trimmed to one yesterday as Canterbury United stormed to their 2-1 win over Waikato to maintain their unbeaten start to the new competition.

Jamie Smith opened the scoring in the 56th minute when, with Utting stranded on the edge of his penalty area, he embarrassed the former international keeper with an audacious 45m chip.

Not much later the visitors went 2-0 ahead when Utting fumbled and former All White midfielder Glen Collins was on hand to stab home from close range.

Chasing their first points at their impressive stadium, Waikato pushed forward, but Adam Crump's late consolation goal wasn't enough.

With Team Wellington being held 2-2 at home by a depleted Otago United on Friday night, Waitakere, Auckland City, Canterbury and Otago have emerged as the early front runners.

Unless the remaining teams can quickly find winning form they will be left well behind, even if there are still 17 rounds to play.

In the other game this afternoon, YoungHeart Manawatu are at home to Auckland City. Given what City showed in demolishing Team Wellington on Monday, it is hard to see Colin Tuaa's side offering much resistance.

Allan Jones has stuck with the same City side who thumped Team Wellington 5-1.

Tuaa, living in hope, might be able to strengthen his side if injury and other concerns can be overcome

- THE HERALD ON SUNDAY