• Rovers hopes of retaining Chatham Cup still alive

Rovers hopes of retaining Chatham Cup still alive

Take a bow Napier City Rovers footballer Cam Emerson!

Two days after scoring two goals for Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers in a 4-all draw with North Wellington in a 10th round Central League match in the capital Emerson (pictured above) scored another two for the Blues as they beat Wairarapa United 4-2 in their third-round Chatham Cup clash in Masterton today.

"We've changed Cam's position slightly from an attacking midfielder to a loan striker and he's going well," delighted Rovers head coach and centre back Bill Robertson said after the match at Rathkeale College.

"As the Chatham Cup holders we were rapt to keep our chances of retaining the cup alive and it was also pleasing to get revenge for our last result down here in Masterton," Robertson said referring to a 5-0 loss early in their Central League campaign.

Rovers opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Forward Ben Wade's attempt hit the post and midfielder Sam Wall tucked the rebound away. 
Emerson scored his first goal in the 30th minute when he got on to the end of a long ball from 18-year-old left back Isaac Belcher. The Blues led 2-0 at halftime.

Emerson scored his second goal in the 52nd minute to give the Blues a 3-0 lead. 

Consecutive goals had the hosts trailing 3-2 before Emerson set up the versatile Zac Madsen for the final goal of the match.

"No other team does as much travelling as us so it was good to finish the weekend like that. We've been to New Plymouth and Masterton for Chatham Cup games so it would be nice to get one at home but that comes down to the luck of the draw," Robertson added.

The Blues host Wainuiomata in an 11th round Central League match on Sunday at Bluewater Stadium.