Striker scores four as Rovers bounce back in style
One doesn't have to be a genius to work out Napier City Rovers football striker Kailan Gould was rapt with his four goals during today's 7-0 drubbing of Petone in Napier.
His huge smile said it all after the Central League fourth-round clash at Bluewater Stadium. But Gould (pictured above) was more thrilled about the manner in which Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers bounced back after last weekend's 5-0 loss to Wairarapa United in Masterton.
"I said to the boys earlier in the week that when you lose you need to react. You need to be able to win again with something like that," Gould said.
The 23-year-old is in his first season of Central League play after playing for Hawke's Bay United and Team Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship last summer and for Wainuiomata in the Capital Premier League last winter.
"I've scored four goals before but it was a long time ago. I scored six at under-18 level," Gould explained.
"But they don't count. The main thing is we are back in the top three ... now we have to stay there," Gould added referring to the fact the top three teams qualify for next summer's new-look national competition.
While Napier City Rovers lacked accuracy during the first quarter they were always in control after Gould opened the scoring with a cracker of a left footer in the 21st minute. While Gould's four goals were enough to give him player-of-the-match honours his pace on and off the ball and clever assists meant there wasn't an argument. It was one of those assists which lead to fellow striker Josh Stevenson's first goal in the 39th minute.
The hosts led 2-0 at halftime.
Stevenson had his second goal in the 50th minute after a neat kick over the top from forward Zac Madsen and superb cross from midfielder Liam Schofield.
Gould scored his second goal in the 57th minute from a set piece move at free kick time. He completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute to have the Chatham Cup holders up 5-0.
Rovers attacking midfielder Cameron Emerson scored in the 83rd minute after an error from Petone keeper which saw the ball fall backwards out of his hand when he was attempting to throw it to a teammate.
Gould completed the drubbing in the 87th minute after superb buildup work from Madsen. Seconds earlier Gould had an attempt bounce off the left post.
Napier City Rovers finished the match with 23 shots on goal, 17 more than winless Petone and 11 corners, three more than the visitors.
Petone only had one shot on goal in the second half and their first second half corner didn't come until the 68th minute.
Napier City Rovers have an away fixture against Wellington Olympic on Saturday.
