April 11, 2010

AUCKLAND – Canterbury United’s academy team capped a red letter day for Canterbury football by blitzing Waitakere United 6-0 in the final of the Lion Foundation Youth League at English Park in Christchurch today.

While their senior counterparts were busy upsetting Auckland City 3-0 to progress to the NZFC grand final, the youngsters were reversing a loss to Waitakere in the 2008 Youth League final.

Thomas Stanton headed the home side into a fifth minute lead but it wasn’t until the end of the half that Canterbury started pulling away.

A Canterbury shot struck the post in the 42nd minute but Ben Harris was on hand to double the lead and a close range header on the stroke of halftime gave Sam Miles the first of his three goals.

There was no change to the score board until an 80th minute Luke Dennison goal kick started a late Canterbury’s goal rush finished off by the prolific Miles notching his 10th and 11th goals of the season in the 81st and 85th minutes to complete his hat trick.

Canterbury Coach Alan Walker said a youth league title and a NZFC semi final win made it a great day for football in the mainland.

“From a South Island point of view, someone said it was Canterbury nine, Auckland [teams] nil, and it’s not often that happens,” Walker said.

“We always knew we would score but we knew they would be a threat as well. The first half wasn’t great but we converted more chances. They could’ve had a few goals but equally we could’ve had a few more. In the end it was very comfortable.”

Waitakere had Tim Myers, Ryan De Vries and Dakota Lucas backing up from Saturday’s dramatic NZFC semi final win over Team Wellington, while Canterbury welcomed back Jordan Swaney from the NZFC squad. They were however, without Andy Barton, who came off the bench to score the senior side’s third goal at Kiwitea Street.

While enjoying the moment, Walker also says the successful youth season bodes well for the future of the club.

“I think there are three or four players who I would expect to see step up to the NZFC next year.”

2010 Lion Foundation Youth League Final
At English Park, Christchurch

Canterbury United 6 (Thomas Stanton 5, Ben Harris 42, Sam Miles 45, 81-pen, 85; Luke Dennison 80)
Waitakere United 0
Halftime: 3-0