Friday wins for Melville United and Auckland United in Northern League

Melville United and Auckland United enhanced their credentials to qualify for National League football with good wins on Matariki weekend Friday.

Melville won their 10th game of the season, beating Takapuna 2-0, while Auckland United travelled to Crum Park for a 3-1 win against Western Springs.

Melville — the team that doesn’t do draws

Melville United lead the chase after leaders Auckland City after picking up a useful 2-0 against Takapuna at Gower Park.

The Hamilton side had most of the play in a goalless first half but finally broke through when Josh Galletley scored on the hour.

Coach Sam Wilkinson worked his bench, bringing on all five outfield players, to manage the rest of the game, with the risk that Takapuna could pinch a draw.

But Melville don’t do draws, having gone for bust in all their 14 fixtures so far.

And the home side’s tactics paid off when Kieran Richards made sure of the win, lofting a shot from inside his own half over the head of Takapuna ‘keeper Liam Anderson five minutes into added time.

Main photo: Josh Galletley … broke the deadlock for Melville. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

Auckland United keep top four hopes intact

Auckland United beat Western Springs 3-1 in a game that banked three important league points.

United took the lead shortly before half-time through skipper Ross Haviland.

Matthew Conroy doubled the visitors’ lead after 71 minutes.

The result was in the bag when substitute Nicolas Zambrano stretched United’s lead to 3-0 with only a couple of minutes remaining.

Springs managed a consolation goal from substitute Kaea Rangihaeata as the final whistle was about to blow.

The result puts pressure on fifth-placed Hamilton Wanderers who travel to Kiwitea St on Saturday to play leaders Auckland City.

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Results

Games played Friday June 24, 2022

Melville United 2 (Josh Galletley 60′, Kieran Richards 90+5′)
Takapuna 0 

Western Springs 1 (Kaea Rangihaeata 90′)
Auckland United 3 (Ross Haviland 41′, Matthew Conroy 71′, Nicolas Zambrano 88′)

Standings

Thanks

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