Eastern Suburbs have climbed to level points with Canterbury United on the ISPS Handa Premiership ladder after overcoming crosstown rivals Waitakere United today in hot conditions at Bill McKinlay Park in Auckland.                                                

The Lily Whites, who have already secured their place in the top four alongside Auckland City, Team Wellington and Canterbury United, made the most of their game in hand with a 2-1 win that sees them draw level with the Dragons on 32 points from 16 games.

As it stands, Canterbury United still hold the advantage as they won the round five game at English Park (3-2) to lead Suburbs on head-to-head, but the final round of the season where they meet in Auckland may decide third and fourth place. If they finish level on points and level on head-to-head then it will be decided by goal difference.

After a three week break between games, Danny Hay’s side showed little sign of rustiness and took the lead within the opening minute. Forward Derek Tieku, who found himself with the ball in the area, scored a great poacher’s goal when he slotted home past Waitakere keeper Liam Anderson to put the home team in front.

Midway through the first half, after Waitakere had claims of a penalty turned down, the Lily Whites had their own chance to convert from the spot and double their lead.

Andre De Jong continued his rich vein of goal scoring form when he stepped up for the home team and buried his penalty down the centre of the goal. It was De Jong’s 11^th goal of the season and has him only three back from Auckland City forward Emiliano Tade (14) on the golden boot standings.

Chris Milicich’s side, who have been disappointing in 2018 as they lost touch with the playoffs, got back into the game when Tom Shaw delivered a goal of real quality. Shaw found himself unmarked 35 yards out from goal, and chanced his arm with a left foot strike, which gave Suburbs keeper Lewis Caunter no chance in goal.

The rest of the game did not live up to the rapid start in the opening 30 minutes and the score remained 2-1 at full time to secure a valuable three points at the business end of the season.

There are two rounds to be completed in the ISPS Handa Premiership before the placings of the four semi-finalists are confirmed.

Next weekend should prove pivotal with the Canterbury United Dragons hosting the defending champions Team Wellington and Auckland City hosting Eastern Suburbs at Kiwitea Street.

ISPS Handa Premiership Round 16 match
Eastern Suburbs AFC 2 (Derek Tieku 1’, Andre De Jong 24’ – pen) Waitakere United (Tom Shaw 29’) HT 2-1

ISPS Handa Premiership Table – Points (Games Played)
34 (16) Auckland City, 33 (16) Team Wellington, 32 (16) Eastern Suburbs, 32 (16) Canterbury United, 20 (16) Tasman United, 18 (16) Southern United, 16 (16) Waitakere United, 16 (16) Hawke’s Bay United, 15 (16) Wellington Phoenix Reserves, 6 (16)