By David Larkin
Manurewa take a two-goal advantage into Saturday’s second leg of their Northern League promotion/relegation play-off, but Manukau United are more than capable of staging a comeback.
Manurewa secured a valuable advantage after winning the first leg of the play-offs 4-2 against Manukau last Saturday.
The Northern League side took the lead just before halftime, thanks to their talisman Eber Ramirez, who coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.
Ramirez continued his fine form after the break, doubling the lead with a second goal just 10 minutes into the second half.
Manukau refused to back down and showed resilience with two quick goals to level the score around the hour mark.
Former Manurewa defender, now a key figure in Manukau’s midfield, Dylan Horgan, netted the equaliser, putting his former side under significant pressure.
Despite the momentum shift, Manurewa rallied once more to regain control, much to the delight of their home supporters.
Hector Echague found the back of the net in the 76th minute to restore the lead, and gained redemption for himself after an earlier own goal from the Rewa midfielder opened the scoring for his opponents.
Manurewa substitute Rajav Bala sealed the win when he scored his side’s fourth goal shortly after entering the fray.
This high-scoring victory puts Manurewa in a strong position for the second leg, as they don’t need to win to retain their Northern League status.
A draw, or even a one-goal loss, will be enough for them to secure survival.
Despite the loss, Manukau still have a chance at promotion if they can pull off a three-goal victory on home turf at Walter Massey Park on Saturday afternoon.
Coacch Gordon Paulsen’s side, with their potent attack and strong finish to the regular season, will be confident they can turn the tie around.
Manurewa’s win last weekend came at a crucial time for the club, providing a much-needed morale boost after a tough campaign that saw them slide down the table in the later rounds.
The South Auckland side has now given themselves a lifeline in their battle for Northern League survival, but they must see the job through on Saturday to ensure they remain in the top division next season.
Player to watch
Manurewa’s Eber Ramirez proved why he is one of the best signings in the league this year by registering a brace for himself in the first leg of the play-offs last week, setting his side up for an all-important win.
The Argentinian striker is his club’s top scorer for the season, notching an impressive 13 goals, which ranks him fourth in the league.
Ramirez will be the key figure in wrapping up his side’s survival on Saturday.
His leadership up front, combined with his natural goal-scoring instincts, could be what separates the two sides once again. Expect Ramirez to be involved in all the critical moments of Saturday’s showdown.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday September 21 2024
Second leg
Manukau United v Manurewa
Walter Massey Park, Manukau, 3pm
*Manurewa lead 4-2 after first leg
David Larkin
Friends of Football writer David Larkin plays community football for Auckland club Manurewa.
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