After another weekend of tough encounters, Waitakere United are continuing their climb in the ISPS Handa Premiership and National Youth League.

LAST WEEK | Waitakere United 1-1 Southern United

Although a win would have been well-deserved, Waitakere United’s 1-1 draw with Southern United at The Trusts Arena on Sunday was just enough to overtake Canterbury United on goal difference and climb to 5^th place in the ISPS Handa Premiership.

Waitakere dominated possession and delivered several attempts at goal, but Southern were the first on the scoresheet after a deflected shot left no chance for goalkeeper Nick Draper to get a hand to the ball.

Substitute Andrew Abba – currently the fourth highest goal scorer in the league – kept the intensity high with a handful of dangerous solo runs but couldn’t find a break through the Southern backline.

The equaliser came in the 59^th minute from a full team effort, finished off with a well-placed cut back from Matt Conroy and perfect connection from captain Jake Butler.

Although the final result didn’t reflect Waitakere’s dominant performance, coach Chris Milicich is pleased to see the team improving each game and is feeling confident about this week’s meeting with Hawkes Bay United.

You can view New Zealand Football’s full ISPS Handa Premiership Week Six review here: https://goo.gl/96WQgt

LAST WEEK | Waitakere United Youth 2-1 Southern United Youth

Waitakere United Youth have climbed to third place – only two points behind front-runners Auckland City – after defeating Southern United Youth 2-1 at McLennan Park on Saturday.

Southern took the early lead, scoring in the 22^nd minute, but a goal from Ryan Verney 11 minutes later put both teams on the scoreboard before the half team whistle.

The winning goal didn’t come until the 85^th minute of play, when Clarke Foulds found the back of the net to earn Waitakere United Youth another crucial 3 points.

You can view New Zealand Football’s full Nation Youth League Week Five review here: https://goo.gl/nh4jkn