Menapi's goal not enough for Waitakere's defeat at the hands of Auckland City FC

Solomon Islander, Commins Menapi, scored a goal for Waitakere United in the 11th minute and turns provider for his teams second goal in the 27 minute, but could not help his team going down 3-4 to the mights of Auckland City in front of some 1000 spectators at Sandringham yesterday.

Auckland City who have just returned from their dismissal performance at the FIFA World Club Championships in Japan ensured a maximum three points to move up to third place with a game in hand over leaders Waitakere and YoungHeart Manawatu.

At half time, Auckland was down 3-0 to Waitakere United. However, they managed to fire up in the second half scoring 4 goals, two of which came in the 7 minutes stoppage time.

None of the 1000 strong crowd could seriously have predicted the extraordinary drama that was to unfold after league leaders Waitakere went to halftime completely on top thanks to 11th, 24th and 30 minute goals from Commins Menapi, Daniel Koprivcic and Allan Pearce respectively, the last of them from the penalty spot.

However, bedlam broke out among the Auckland players and fans while the referee, quickly shielded by his two assistants after the final whistle, was jostled by two irate Waitakere supporters before scurrying to the sanctuary of the referees changing room with the help of Auckland officials.