Eastern Premiership

The top-of-the-table clash in the Eastern Premiership delivered plenty of drama as Gisborne United strengthened their position at the summit with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Havelock North Wanderers.

With Wanderers needing points to close the gap on the league leaders, the visitors made the perfect start. James Mack found the breakthrough in the 16th minute, giving HNW an early advantage and putting the pressure firmly on United.

Gisborne responded well and gradually worked their way back into the contest. Corey Adams levelled proceedings in the 36th minute, finishing off a strong spell of pressure from the home side.

As the first half entered stoppage time, United grabbed a crucial lead through Jimmy Somerton, whose strike in the second minute of added time sent the hosts into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

HNW pushed for an equaliser in the second half, knowing the importance of the result in the title race, but Gisborne remained composed and organised. The decisive moment came in the 69th minute when Josh Harris found the back of the net to extend the lead and put United firmly in control.

The 3-1 result sees Gisborne United claim a valuable three points in the battle at the top of the Eastern Premiership, while Havelock North Wanderers are left with work to do as they look to reel in the league leaders in the weeks ahead.

SCORES:

Gisborne United – 3 (Corey Adams 36', Jimmy Somerton 45+2', Josh Harris 69')
HNW- 1 (James Mack 16')

Port Hill – 1 (M.Bestesta 72’)
NCR – 3 (Z.West-Hill 13’,K.Shaw 57’,B.Christensen 79’)

Western Rangers – 2 (M.Samuels 63’,L.Brown 79’)
Taradale – 2 (M.Single 11’, M.Fysh 52’)

Maycenvale United – 1 (J.Marshall 83’)
Gisborne Thistle – 4 (L.Starck 7’, L.Jarvie 42’, 44’,A.Norris 48’)

Tairāwhiti Mens Championship

SCORES:

Shockers Gold –0
Thistle Athletic Bobcats – 1 (Goal scorers unknown)

Gisborne United Reserves – 1 (Goal scorer unknown)
Gisborne Thistle Pro Roofing –4 (Goal scorers unknown)

Tairāwhiti Division 2

HSOB Eels came from behind to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gisborne United 2nds in Men's Division 2 action.

The home side made a bright start and took the lead in the 28th minute through Winiata Tarawa, who put Gisborne United 2nds ahead after an encouraging opening spell.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as HSOB Eels responded just four minutes later. Matthew Miller found the equaliser in the 32nd minute to bring the visitors back into the contest and shift the momentum in their favour.

HSOB completed the turnaround before halftime when Damon Husband converted from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, giving the Eels a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

Despite Gisborne United 2nds pushing for a way back into the match during the second half, HSOB Eels stood firm defensively and managed the game well to protect their advantage.

The result sees HSOB Eels take all three points after a strong comeback performance, overturning an early deficit to secure a valuable 2-1 win.

SCORES:

Gisborne United 2nds – 1 (W.Tarawa 28’)
HSOB Eels – 2 (M.Miller 32’, D.Husband 38’)

HSOB Black Hearts – 5 (Goal scorers unknown)
Shockers Campion Marist – 1 (Goal scorer unknown)

Versatile Thistle – 3 (Goal scorers unknown)
Ngatapa Brant Silkies – 3 (Goal scorers unknown)

Tairawhiti Womens Championship
Shockers Ladies Black produced a dominant first-half display to secure a 3-1 victory over Gisborne United Ladies in the Tairāwhiti Women's Championship.

The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves, with Larisa Allan opening the scoring after just three minutes to give Shockers the perfect start.

Shockers continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage in the 13th minute through Morgan Andrews, putting Gisborne United on the back foot early in the contest.

The lead grew to three goals midway through the first half when Toni Arnold found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, capping off a clinical opening period from the home side.

Gisborne United responded positively after the break and pulled a goal back through Chelsea Simpson just a minute into the second half. The early strike gave United hope of mounting a comeback and injected fresh energy into the match.

Despite the improved second-half showing from Gisborne United Ladies, Shockers Ladies Black remained organised and resilient defensively, preventing any further goals and seeing out the contest comfortably.

The result rewards a strong first-half performance from Shockers Ladies Black, who claimed all three points with a convincing 3-1 win.

SCORES:
Shockers FC Black – 3 (L.Allan 3’, M.Andrews 13’, T.Arnold 23’)
Gisborne United –1 (C.Simpson 46’)

Gisborne Thistle – 3 (Goal scorers unknown)
Shockers Ladies Pink – 1 (Goal scorers unknown)

Tatapouri Marist Thistle  - 0
HSOG – 6 (Goal scorers unknown)

Article added: Tuesday 16 June 2026