Pullar Builders Whakatane vs Taupo

Whakatane Town travelled away to Crown Park to beat Taupo 5-2.

Taupo AFC have historically been a tough rival for Whakatane and, over past years, have contended well for the league title. As such, Whakatane Town anticipated a tough game in spite of a poor season start from a Taupo side able to score goals but with a less than glowing defensive record.

As always the immaculate pitch at Crown Park meant there would be no excuses for poor football and Whakatane Town did not disappoint displaying possibly the best football played in the season so far.

By half time an inspired Whakatane Town side were already 3 goals up coming from  Terry Stilgoe and Werner Rechsteiner as well as striker Richard O’Reagan.

As expected, Taupo came out determined in the second half playing some quality possession football. Rekindling some playing form from previous years, Taupo constructed 2 good goals to threaten Whakatane Town’s lead.

This spurned the boys in white back into life with some great attacking play coming from the youngsters down the wings.  Whakatane Town used the possesion to their advantage finding the net another time. A second goal from player/coach Werner Rechsteiner took the game to 4-2.

A cut to the head forced Mc Donalds, Vidoe Ezy and Bella Design player of the day Richard O’Reagan from the field and shortly after (in an unrelated incident) a Taupo midfielder was sent from the pitch following a second yellow card.

Whakatane went on to close the game 5 minutes from the fulltime whistle with a well taken long range effort from reserve team player JP rounded the game of at 5-2.