Southern United falls to late goal from Canterbury

A late goal proved the difference in yesterday's southern football derby.

Substitute Reece Dalton slotted home in the 82nd minute to snatch a point from Southern United in a national premiership match.

He found the bottom left corner of the net to give Canterbury United a 2-1 win at English Park in Christchurch.

It was Canterbury's first win and draws it level with Southern on three points, alongside over half the league after an even opening two weeks.

Canterbury has proved a tough opponent - it has now won nine of its past 10 matches against Southern - but Southern had the better start on this occasion.

The ever-reliable Garbhan Coughlan delivered from the penalty spot in the 13th minute to give the visitors the early lead.

However, Canterbury replied quickly through George King.

The former Manchester City youth player fired in a great strike in the 18th minute to equalise.

Canterbury mounted pressure as it looked to add another shortly afterwards.

However, the Southern defence held and late in the half Southern's Abdulla Al-Kalisy went just wide with a chance of his own.

Coughlan went close on a volley just after halftime, before Canterbury keeper Danny Knight came up with a save minutes later.

Dalton entered the game just after the hour-mark and not long after Canterbury began to mount another period of pressure.

This time it told.

The Australian put away a chance to edge in front.

Southern pushed forward late in the attempt but was unable to bag an equaliser.

Elsewhere, Waitakere United remained perfect with an away 2-0 win over Tasman United.

Hamilton Wanderers delivered a 3-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs.

The Wellington Phoenix's Blake Driehuis scored three goals in the final three minutes but

it was not enough to overhaul Hawke's Bay United, which ran out 4-3 winner.

In the late game Auckland City drew 2-2 with Team Wellington.

Southern coach Paul O'Reilly could not be reached for comment.


 

Comments

I was at the game. Thank goodness they have a stand in Chch cos it was getting cold & rain.
My Canterbury mates all agree - Southern were the better team and put away so many chances. All the Canterbury supporters stated how Southern were a classy act.
Make sure you supported the team this season. The team needs to be marketed better.