Papamoa FC and Melville United remain the only two unbeaten Loaded WaiBOP Premiership clubs this season after both secured narrow victories during the most recent round of games.

Alex Wilson’s first half goal proved to be the difference for Papamoa as they defeated Comag Matamata Swifts 1-0 at the Matamata Domain. Papamoa generally had more of the ball throughout and created the better chances, but their inability to kill the game off nearly came back to haunt them as Brayden Lissington’s late shot from distance fizzed just wide.

Title sides are generally built on the back of strong defensive units and that’s what Papamoa displayed again in this match. They subdued the Swifts and, once they had the lead, looked relatively comfortable in seeing off the Swifts, particularly during the second half.

Melville United stayed level on points with Papamoa after a 2-1 win over West Hamilton United. Goals from Subesh Naidu and David Brennan ensured Melville was never behind in this match, but Chris Gardiner’s strike helped keep the game close.

Papamoa and Melville both sit on ten points after four matches, with West Hamilton on nine, having played a game more.

Also on nine points is Tokoroa, who have made a fine start to life in the Premiership. They secured their third win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Otumoetai, a side that was picked by many to be pushing for the title this year. Narinder Singh’s second half goal won the game for the Timber Town side to keep them a point off the pace, while Otumoetai stay in the already congested middle of the table.

The free scoring Tauranga Boys’ side notched a 4-1 win at Te Awamutu thanks to goals from Scott Hawkins, Scott Walpole, Lewis Reid and Keegan Flowerday and sit three points behind the top two. Jack Connor’s first half goal was a mere consolation for the hosts.

Waikato Unicol, another of the pre-season favourites, dropped more points in being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Taupo. All the goals came in the first half as Luke Goodwin and Tom Wright scored for the students, while Fin Smith and Jonas Bucher countered for the Lakesiders. Taupo’s point keeps them level with Tauranga Boys’ and only three points off top spot.

Ngaruawahia United struck double figures in the WaiBOP Championship for the second time this season. Their 11-1 win over Te Puke United didn’t quite match their earlier demolition of Matamata’s reserves, but it was a fine result that leaves no-one in doubt as to which side is likely to win the 2018 title. The goals were spread around with an Ibrahim Ismail hat trick the feature. Khalid Omar, Donovan Latham, Liban Mire with two, Noor Mire, Jared Gemmell, Richard Harris and an own goal helped heap the pain on the visitors.

The other two Championship matches, not surprisingly, were quite a bit closer. Nick Field’s brace helped Taupo’s reserves into second after a 2-1 win over their counterparts from Waikato Unicol. Aiden Smith’s strike for Unicol had ensured the sides were level at the break.

Waharoa Transport Matamata reserves secured their second point of the season, but gave up a two goal lead in drawing 4-4 with their visitors from Kawerau Sports.

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Photo: Bob Ricketts.