Auckland United have moved into second place on the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League table — at least for a night — after beating bottom-placed Tauranga City 2-1 at Links Avenue.
The winning goal was scored by Martine Puketapu, playing her 100th Northern League and cup game and it was her 100th goal in league and cup football for United and Three Kings United.
Tauranga, who have conceded more than 60 goals since their promotion to the WPL, are proving more resilient as the season goes on, and especially at home.
So it proved with the visit of United.
The visits took the lead through Bree Johnson in the 9th minute.
But Abi Witney-Collins levelled in the 18th minute, sending the teams into half-time at 1-1.
Experienced striker Martine Puketapu scored the deciding goal for United in the 63rd minute, to ensure the points returned to Keith Hay Park.
The win lifted United above Eastern Suburbs in the rankings and they go head-to-head with leaders Northern Rovers on Sunday.
Result
Game played on Saturday July 30, 2022
Tauranga City 1 (Abi Witney-Collins 18′)
Auckland United 2 (Bree Johnson 9′, Martine Puketapu 63′)
Standings
Fixtures
Games to be played Sunday July 31, 2022
Click here for our preview of this weekend’s matches >>>>
Eastern Suburbs (3rd) v Northern Rovers (1st)
Madills Farm, Auckland, 1pm
Hamilton Wanderers (7th) v Ellerslie (5th)
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton, 3pm
West Coast Rangers (6th) v Western Springs (4th)
Fred Taylor Park, Auckland, 3pm
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