Travel again takes toll on Rovers footballers
Napier City Rovers continue to struggle with away trips in the Ultra Football Central League.
Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers player-coach Bill Robertson again lamented a slow start after the Blues drew 2-all with King Toyota Lower Hutt City in today's 15th round clash at Fraser Park.
"We started flat and conceded an early goal. We took a while to get going in the first half but were better in the second half," Robertson explained.
Rovers trailed 1-0 at halftime and striker James Mack III scored the equaliser after midfielder Karan Mandair made a tremendous burst down the right wing before crossing the ball into the box for Mack.
Lower Hutt City then took a 2-1 lead before Rovers captain and defender James Hoyle secured the draw with a header from a corner in the 85th minute. Hoyle and fellow defender Fergus Neil were the best of the Rovers players today.
Another of the Blues defenders, New Zealand under-20 squad member Kaeden Atkins, was again unavailable with an injury but Robertson is hopeful Atkins will be fit for next weekend's away match against Wairarapa United.
With this draw Rovers remain fifth in the 10-team competition, one berth above Lower Hutt City. Three rounds remain in the league.
