A very poor start saw us leak two soft goals in the first 10 minutes.

But we settled down admirably to gain parity and then control large parts of the possession and field position culminating in a first half goal to MOM Andrew Abba. Abba dispossessing the keeper to tap in to an empty net. 1-2 HT.

Abba was brought down in the box for Steven Gulley to convert from the spot with 20 to go and it was game on at 2-2. Gulley was spraying 20 yard balls into Abba’s path all day turning the defence around at will. The winner came with 10 to go. Abba was again found in space wide out right. The keeper anticipated a cross but Abba drilled a powerful strike from a sharp angle to get our noses in front for the first time.

A very positive performance with 4 or 5 front line players absent, and a great opportunity to keep fine tuning the squad before our opening Central league match in Napier on Good Friday.

Hilton Petone Champions in 2015 for the first time since 1978.