The log-jam at the top of the ISPS Handa Premiership is yet to clear after three weeks of action.

Waitakere United couldn’t take a chance to grab the outright lead at home to Canterbury United, Auckland City put on the performance of the weekend with a five-goal thumping of Hamilton Wanderers while Team Wellington and the Wellington Phoenix Reserves couldn’t be separated in this afternoon's local derby.

Defending champions Eastern Suburbs meanwhile returned to form with a victory at Southern United while Hawke’s Bay United are also in touch with the top after defeating Tasman United.

In the ‘Wel Clasico’ in the capital, Team Wellington leapt out to a two-goal lead at David Farringdon Park thanks to Hamish Watson and Oliver Bassett’s strikes midway through the first half.

But Ben Waine struck in the 56th minute for the Phoenix and again with a free header in the 63rd to put his team level and set up a barnstorming finish. Team Wellington had some great chances but couldn’t take them, leaving the honours shared.
 

Ben Waine, left, helped earn a point for the Phoenix with a double (Photosport)

In Saturday’s action, Sean Liddicoat scored with an overhead kick in the 15th minute to put Canterbury ahead at Seddon Fields. The visitors kept out a number of chances through the game with goalkeeper Danny Knight making some fine saves.

The pressure finally told in the 81st minute when Alex Connor-McClean drove into the box and took a tumble but regained his feet to hammer home. The Cantabs went home with a hard-fought point while Waitakere will rue not being able to make more chances count.

Auckland City made short work of Hamilton Wanderers in Cambridge, soaking up some early pressure before Logan Rogerson tapped in on 28 minutes. By half-time it was 3-0 to the Navy Blues, with Myer Bevan making it four with his second in the 60th minute and David Browne adding a fifth to end a tough day at the office for Wanderers and take City to joint top of the table.

Eastern Suburbs came back from the South Island with all three points thanks to a powerful display in extremely wet conditions. Three-nil up shortly after half time, Suburbs were able to control the game and despite Southern United pegging two back in the second half, the visitors went on the claim a 4-2 win.

In Napier, goals from Ihaia Delaney and Bill Robertson in the first half meant Hawke’s Bay could play without scoreboard pressure. They couldn’t convert the other chances they created in the second half but the 2-0 win over Tasman puts them tied for second place.
 

Oliver Bassett is congratulated on scoring for Team Wellington (Photosport)

For the table and more information on the ISPS Handa Premiership please click here

ISPS Handa Premiership Match Week Three

Team Wellington 2 (Hamish Watson 23’, Oliver Bassett 26’)
Wellington Phoenix Reserves 2 (Ben Waine 56’, 63’)
HT: 2-0

Waitakere United 1 (Alex Connor-McClean 81’)
Canterbury United Dragons 1 (Sean Liddicoat 15’)
HT: 0-1

Hamilton Wanderers 0
Auckland City 5 (Logan Rogerson 28’, own goal 37’, Myer Bevan pen 44’, 60’, David Browne 87’)
HT: 0-3

Southern United 2 (Garbhan Coughlan pen 49’, Cody Brook 67’)
Eastern Suburbs 4 (Reid Drake 25’, Martin Bueno 27’, Stephen Hoyle 47’, Mohamed Awad 58’)
HT: 0-2

Hawke’s Bay United 2 (Ihaia Delaney 9’, Bill Robertson 34’)
Tasman United 0
HT: 2-0

Article added: Sunday 17 November 2019