Waitakere set up O-League date with Auckland

Waitakere United thrashed Tahitian opponents AS Manu Ura 5-1 in Papeete yesterday to set up a decisive O-League football showdown with New Zealand rivals Auckland City.

Group A of the Oceania club competition will be decided on Saturday when the Auckland clubs meet in their final pool game.

Waitakere drew level with Auckland on points after their romp and importantly, they move ahead by one goal on points differential, meaning they need only draw on Saturday to progress to the final.

Jason Rowley grabbed two goals for the winners of yesterday's rescheduled game, including the opener in the 28th minute, although Hiroana Poroiea responded from a free kick two minutes later.

Roy Krishna and Allan Pearce had the visitors well in front by halftime while Pearce secured their doubles with half an hour remaining.

Yesterday's game had been scheduled for a fortnight ago but was postponed because of a water-logged pitch in Papeete.

- NZPA