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.
Massey University’s game against Havelock North Wanderers on Saturday saw them narrowly lose 2-1 (file photo). They’re now in fourth-equal place on the ladder with Athletic after the Whanganui side moved up after beating Napier 2-0. Piper said Massey’s defeat by Wanderers didn’t reflect the way the game went. “We played with the best intensity I’ve seen in any game we’ve been involved in. It was a hell of a game. “I’m proud of the performance but disappointed at the result. We gave it all we had because we knew we needed to win it to win the league.”
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.