7 Mar 2011

Waitakere seal minor premiership

7:39 am on 7 March 2011

Waitakere United have clinched domestic football's minor premiership but the identity of the last semi-finalist remains unknown after Hawke's Bay drew with Waikato FC in Napier.

Waitakere's 2-nil win over a ten man Otago United sealed a fourth minor premiership title for the West Aucklanders and cemented Auckland City and Team Wellington in second and third place respectively.

Fourth placed Hawke's Bay's play-off destiny is now out of their hands after they drew 1-all with Waikato FC.

Canterbury United can pip the Bay for a place in the semi-finals if they defeat Auckland City in their final game at Kiwitea Street.

The original Auckland City v Canterbury United fixture was postponed as a mark of respect for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake on February the 22nd, and New Zealand Football will consult both clubs to determine when, where or whether the fixture will take place.

Manawatu finished on a high after they bounced back from two goals down to claim a 2-all draw at Team Wellington.

The result still means the Palmerston North-based club set a new all-time lowest season tally of four points, beating Hawke's Bay old record of five points set back in 2005-06 season.