This week the Waiheke United U13 Tigers took on the Auckland United U13 Chelsea team at Onetangi Sports Park. Unlike their premier league namesakes, this Chelsea team offered their opposition a challenge, and one that the Tigers relished, having had some easy wins over previous weeks. The even-sided game provided players and spectators alike with a football spectacle, one that saw the home side finishing victorious with a 4-2 result.

The visiting team drew first blood scoring first after 15 minutes. Being down a goal for the first time, the Tigers had to regroup and fight back, and that they did, constantly threatening the Auckland United goal that proved harder to penetrate than they thought through some gritty Chelsea defense. However as the half drew to a close, Tigers striker Kodi Orr ran onto an amazing through-ball, stepping the keeper and finishing well, bringing the Tigers back into the game with the score remaining 1-1 at halftime.

The second half saw both teams attacking and defending well, however Tigers forward Ethan Kerrod had other ideas as he danced into the Auckland United box, shooting skilfully and giving his team a crucial 2-1 lead. Chelsea then fought back and equalised once again after some leaky defense.  The Tigers team then showed their teeth, constantly threatening the opponents goal, and once again Ethan Kerrod showed his fine finishing skills with a well-practised chip of the United keeper, gaining a 3-2 lead.

Goal keeper Christian Kennedy redeemed himself following an earlier fumble, with a fantastic save, denying an equaliser from a very well-taken Chelsea free kick. Kodi Orr sealed the victory with his own very well-practiced free kick, finding the back of the net and giving his team a two-goal lead.

Resolute defense from William Kew, Milo Brown, Abe Stafford-Waldner, Noah Ballard and Oscar Wise frustrated their opponents, while midfielders Rafa Mavre, Mia Elscolme, Koa Rhodes and Arlo Weir maintained possession with great passing and kept the Tigers on the front foot. Player of the day went to Ethan Kerrod for not only his brace of goals but also his dribbling skills and ball distribution alike.

Written by Coach Steve Nuthall.