Marist must get points to push for Federation League title stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Havelock’s Luca Barclay (left) and Melvin Rumere of Marist chase the ball in Saturday s clash. Coach Juliano Schmeling said his message at halftime was simple and direct: keep fighting or give up the season. So Marist battled, gave Wanderers much less room to operate, and the goals came, first (inevitably, it seemed) to Nick Carrick, followed by Melvin Rumere and finally Taylor Monk, about 10 minutes from the end when he lashed the winner through a crowded goalmouth and past the keeper. Wanderers responded by forcing a series of corners, but this time Marist didn’t crumble under the set piece pressure, such was their desperation for the win.
Marist have one last chance to challenge for Federation League title stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Wanderers’ defeat was a shock because not only was it their first loss of the season, but they went down against a side which until Saturday had a meagre four points after 12 games. Palmerston North Marist still have a mathematical chance of winning the league title if they beat Wanderers at home next weekend – but Havelock North will have to also lose another game to enable the locals to nab the title ahead of them. Time is also running out for Palmerston North Marist, who after Wanderers only have two more games. Marist and Thistle were locked at 2-2 at halftime, with goals for the Palmerston North side coming from Melvin Rumere and Nick Carrick.