The Bay SportsMed WaiBOP United Youth Team has held the powerful Auckland City to a goalless draw in their latest ASB Youth League match.
It was the first time Auckland had dropped points all season and, despite the visitors creating more chances, it was WaiBOP who should have won it after hitting the woodwork twice in the last two minutes.
A cagey opening quarter hour led on to a relatively open rest of the first half. Led by the impressive Jama Boss and Jevon Williams in midfield WaiBOP scrapped, hassled and harried their opponents. Ruben Parker-Hanks was good when called on in the WaiBOP goal and the back four held strong.
After the break WaiBOP had more going forward, as did the visitors. It was a surprise to see the match end without a goal, such was quality of some of the football and the chances that were carved out before the grand stand finish. First Boss hit the upright in the 89th minute then Reid Drake rattled the cross bar a minute into added time leaving the game goalless and both sides probably just about happy with their afternoon’s efforts.
We wish Auckland City all the best as they will undoubtedly play the Southern Conference winner in the ASB Youth League Grand Final.
WaiBOP United squad: Ruben Parker-Hanks (Danyon Drake); Liam Williams, Shaun Morgan, Nate Kinney (Matt Wheeler), Joe Nottage; Alfie Rogers (Wade Molony), Jama Boss, Jevon Williams, Jono Viviani; Reid Drake, Xavier Pratt (Jacob Robb).
