• Gould scores twice on debut for Rovers

Gould scores twice on debut for Rovers

Centre forward Kailan Gould celebrated his Napier City Rovers Central League football debut with two goals on Saturday.

Playing against his former club, Wainuiomata, at Richard Prouse Park in the capital, Gould, scored either side of halftime in Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers 5-1 first-round victory. The Chatham Cup holders led 3-0 at halftime.

Gould's first goal came in the 38th minute when he nailed a rebound from an attempt from attacking midfielder Cameron Emerson which hit the bar. Gould (pictured above) scored again in the 50th minute when he found himself in space on the right-hand side of the box and slid the ball past Wainuiomata keeper Logan Moran.

Experienced centre forward Josh Stevenson opened the scoring for the Blues in the eighth minute. Shortly afterwards midfielder Liam Schofield scored from a penalty after Emerson was brought down in the box.

Emerson, who was also making his debut, for the visitors scored their final goal. Ben Stroud scored Wainuiomata's only goal with a header following a corner kick from Ryan Harrison. 

"It was a good start to the season and I was rapt so many of our debutants did so well," Rovers player-coach Bill Robertson said.

Midfielder Luke Minshull, who has transferred from Palmerston North, made the most of his debut at this level and relished his starting XI appearance. Seventeen-year-old midfielder Luca Barclay made his Central League debut in the 65th minute and had a high work-rate.

"Part of our plan this season is to provide an opportunity for young players and those who took the field certainly made the most of their chances," Robertson said.

He pointed out there are no injury concerns as they look ahead to Friday's round two clash against North Wellington at Napier's Bluewater Stadium.