FC Nelson Come From Two Down On Edge Waimak In Opening Of SL Play-Offs

FC Nelson holds the advantage going into the 2nd Leg of the Mainland Football Play-offs for promotion to the Southern League after they battled back from going down to Waimak to win 3 - 2 in an entertaining game at Kendall Park on Saturday. 

In a hectic opening to the game, FC had a shot saved in the opening seconds with the ball then cleared up field where Ben Cameron scored from close range to put Waimak ahead in the opening minute. The home side then had the better of the chances and doubled their lead when Liam Cameron curled the ball home from 20 metres out.  

This goal awakened the Nelson side who then created several good attacking moves and pulled a goal back after a defender handled the ball in the area with FC captain, TJ Hansen stepping up to take the penalty. Hansen shot to his left, with Waimak keeper, Brad Eiffe diving the correct way and got a good hand to the ball but could not prevent from going into the net. midway into the half. Hansen then brought his side back on level terms when scoring on the half-hour. Both sides saw chances go begging, with FC having a 'goal' ruled out for offside just before the break.    

The chances continued to be wasted after the break, with both sides guilty of pushing the ball wide of the goal. The speed of the FC front runners tested the Waimak defence on several occasions and with twenty to Fc took the lead after Phun Lian got the better of his marker but looked to have miss hit his shot but it still crossed the goal line. Waimak finished strongly but could not find an equalising goal. 

The win for FC was the first time the 'away' side had won in a play-offs series and coach Paul Brydon was pleased with the result. "We were poor early on but once we found our feet I think we took our chances when it mattered and know it was in our control at home, it will be great in front of our home fans", stated Brydon. 

Waimak coach Harry Trethowan "while disappointed with the result", was looking forward to the 2nd leg, "the side know that we are not out of it and will head north knowing what we have to do to keep our season alive".  

Guppy Park will be the venue for the 2nd Leg next Saturday, with a draw enough for the Nelson club to advantage too the next stage of the play-offs against Wanaka, from the Southern Football region, with the winner of this series replacing relegated FC Twenty 11 in the Southern League next season. Waimak will have to win by 2-clear goals to advance. 

Southern League Play-offs 
Mainland Series - 1st Leg 

Result / Scorers 

Waimak 2 (Ben Cameron, Liam Paterson)
FC Nelson 3 (Tjark Hansen 2 - incl pen, Phun Lian)
HT 2 - 2

Article added: Monday 16 September 2024