Wanderers couldn’t share the lead at the top of the table with Eastern Suburbs after a Benjamin Wade strike proved enough to get Southern United over the line in a game of few chances in Hamilton.

Southern United were looking for their first points of the season following a opening game loss to Canterbury United, and a cancelled game against Auckland last weekend. With Hamilton Wanderers coming off two straight wins, Southern were well aware they were playing a team with momentum.

A solid defensive performance laid the foundation for Southern throughout the game, as they proved hard to break through. It was not until midway through the second half we got the only goal of the game. Danny Ledwith won possession in the middle of the field, and found Markus Fjørtoft out right by the edge of the box. With Ben Wade on the run to his right, a 2v1 developed, and the winger finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Both teams had their fair bit of chances, and only two great saves by the Hamilton Wanderers goalkeeper hindered Omar Guardiola and Danny Ledwith from extending their lead.

Southern play reigning champions Team Wellington away next week, who come off three straight wins following their opening game defeat to Auckland City.

Hamilton Wanderers 0
Southern United 1 (Benjamin Wade 69’)
HT: 0-0

#UnitedWeStand

Southern United

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Team Sponsors