Wanaka Premiers travelled to Dunedin to take on Northern. On paper this should have been an even contest.

Wanaka again had enforced personal changes as the experienced trio of Blair Scoullar, Steve Pleskun and Alex Plimmer were unavailable.

They however welcomed back club captain, Allan Carmichael to the starting line up. Also included was player coach, Ian Bell, and starting debutant, Brandon Dickson who played at centre back. 

Wanaka gained momentum early, when in just the third minute of play young left back, Levi Fletcher, was quick to attack a far post cross which seemed to be heading away from a dangerous position. Levi's first-time shot from the edge of Northern’s penalty area snuck just inside the near post of Northern’s goal to give the away team a 1-0 lead.

A great start for Wanaka, but to Northern's credit they kept their heads up and looked to get back in the game. They managed to dominate possession for 15 minutes but too often looked to a long ball which was defended well by the Wanaka defensive back four of Paul Hodgson, Dickson, John Skilton and Fletcher Cavanagh and goal keeper, Britton Dowling.

It was 20 minutes in before Wanaka got used to their new midfield formation of Weston Bell, Carmichael, Everton Furby, Cavanagh and Ian Bell. Gaining momentum and possession which they began to supply good ball to young striker Harry Grimsdale. Grimsdale went close to scoring in the 25th minute but his left foot shot was mistimed. Five minutes later however, he found the net, when a slip from a Northern defender gave Grimsdale a chance to beat the defender and slide a cool finish past the oncoming keeper. 2-0.

Wanaka had a series of corners where they threatened but couldn't get the vital touch which might have put them 3-0 up. With the halftime whistle looming it was Wanaka who would find the net again. Rightback, Paul Hodgson found himself in possession on the edge of Northern’s 18-yard box. He cut inside his defender and powered a left foot shot low under a helpless diving keeper. Wanaka go into half time with a 3-0 lead. 

Wanaka regroup and the message is clear — start again as if it is nil nil. Score and not concede a goal in the second half.

Northern were, however, not going to die wondering. They were a much improved team in the second half as they searched for a goal which would get them back into the game. But Wanaka were next to score when Cavanagh floated in a free kick from 45 yards out. Grimsdale rose and his header across goal nestled into the back of Northern’s net. Wanaka go 4-0 up after 58 mins.

Northern continued to attack and enjoyed the majority of possession. The midfield battle heated up and what looked like a free kick to Wanaka was not awarded and Northern were quick to take advantage. A free midfielder hit a fine shot from 25 yards which left Dowling in goal for Wanaka no chance. 4-1 after 75 mins.

A tiring Wanaka defended sternly for the last 15 minutes and introduced youngsters Toa Roode, and debutants Ethan Arratia and Flynn Brown to replace coach Bell, Furby and Grimsdale who had all contributed well to a real team effort on the day. 

Grimsdale and Hodgson had very good games but the man of the match was awarded to centre back Skilton. 

Wanaka look forward to following up this fantastic win by playing host to Southland United on Saturday June 29, 2:45pm kickoff at the Wanaka Rec Centre.