NUAFC 1968-2018

1971
Wednesday, 31st March, 1971
Soccer commences in Ngaruawahia
Ngaruawahia United A.F.C. annual general meeting
elected the following officers to the club: President, Joe
Templeton; secretary-treasurer, Sandy MacDonald; captain,
George Sunnex; vice-captain, Charles Gorman; manager,
Joe Templeton; coach, Sandy MacDonald; committee,
Maurice Frankhauser, Clive Turner, Barry White, Alan
Rose, George Sunnex and Miss Audrey Templeton.
This season promises to be the best yet for United, as
several top-flight players have been registered, with many of
1970’s remaining as improved experienced players. A solid
training programme is well under way and two pre-season
games have been played.
United hopes to move onto its home ground at
Centennial Park, Ngaruawahia, as soon as the council erects
toilets.
The first match of the season was against the
A.F.F.Co. Sunday team. This team provided no challenge to
United, although the game was an enjoyable one. United
scored 10 times, conceding none. This was the first game of
the season on the new park.
The second match was against Frankton Railways.
This was held on Regatta Saturday, but despite this there were
supporters present. United fielded their senior team in the first
half and scored their first goal from a well-placed pass from
the backs to Charlie Gorman, who found the corner of the
net before the keeper could get there. Their second goal came
from a direct free kick outside the penalty area. For some
reason, Steven Barr’s chip shot was left by the keeper and it
settled into the net. Just before half-time Railways scored from
a good forward movement.
United made seven changes in the team during the
interval so that the schoolboys who had turned up could get a
game. Malcolm Burt scored for United from a fine solo run
shortly after the whistle. The schoolboys could not contain the
Railways forwards, and Railway ran out the winners by 5
goals to 3.
Goal-scorers to date for Ngaruawahia:
Charles Gorman 4,
Stephen Barr 2,
Steve Baranyai 2,
Martin Bell 2,
Alan Rose 2
Malcolm Burt 1,
This made 13 for and 5 against so far this season.
Intending players are welcome to attend calisthenics
with the team in Ngaruawahia High School Hall on Thursday
nights.
Janet Sunnex
13