30 April 2001
Nelson Mail
By Simon Bloomberg
Nelson Suburbs caused the upset of the round when it defeated Rangers 3-0 in a Federation Six soccer game played at Saxton Field.
Ocean Lodge Nelson had been out of form in the last four matches. However, the return of key players Vic Gargiulo, Steve Pike and Henry Fa'arodo gave it an edge against the previously unbeaten Rangers on Sunday.
Pike made a big impact, diving full-length to stop two long-range shots in the first half and using his vast experience to organise the defence. The veteran goalkeeper also displayed quick reflexes to stop a close-range header in the second half to complete a Man of the Match performance.
Gargiulo strengthened the back four while Fa'arodo displayed pace and skill to score two excellent goals. Fa'arodo was simply too classy for a Rangers' defence that had conceded only three goals in six games before coming to Nelson.
The game was evenly poised after a scoreless first half when Fa'arodo slipped through the defence and pushed the ball past goalkeeper Alan Stroud. Fa'arodo struck in almost identical fashion 15 minutes later turning a defender and once again beating Stroud in a one-on-one situation.
Nelson completed the scoring when left back Marty Chandler powered a 30m shot in off the right hand post four minutes from the end.
Coach George Campbell rated Nelson's win as its best performance of the season. Although the return of Pike, Gargiulo and Fa'arodo clearly made a big difference, the team's attitude had also improved dramatically, he said.
"It was the strongest lineup we've had all season. Pikey made a big impact, he's so vocal and dominant. Henry also made a difference - he was all class.
"But the commitment and intensity was also back, they all played so well. We had a very competitive training on Friday and they carried that into the game," Campbell said.
After losing 0-6 to Western last weekend, they needed a good result to get their season back on track, Campbell said.
Nelson is in fifth place in the league on 14 points after winning four of its eight games. Halswell was still on top with 23 points from nine games, just two points clear of second-placed Western on 21.
Nelson has a bye next weekend before travelling to Christchurch to play Halswell at Halswell Domain on May 12.