Palmerston North United’s Hunters Concrete U19s made a strong impression in their debut appearance at the Napier Men’s U19 Tournament, finishing second in their pool and reaching the quarter-finals of the Satellite competition.

Across two days of high-quality football over Labour Weekend (25–27 October), the team showed impressive skill, resilience, and composure — reflecting the depth and potential of the club’s emerging young talent.

Day One: A Flying Start

The U19s kicked off their campaign in style with a 4–1 win over Otumoetai FC, setting the tone for the tournament. Early goals from Aiden Foster and Reuben Rose gave United control, before second-half strikes from Rose and Patricio Lizarraga Castillo sealed an emphatic victory.

Momentum carried into the second game, where United produced a scintillating attacking display to defeat Tawa AFC 6–1. A first-half masterclass saw goals from Aiden Foster, Reuben Rose (2), SJ Choi, and Sam Taylor, with Dylan Pearson adding a late sixth to round out one of the most dominant performances of the tournament’s opening day.

A third straight win followed, with United grinding out a 2–0 victory over Wainuiomata AFC to close Day One. Despite fatigue setting in after three matches, second-half goals from Yusuf Shafiul Anwar and Cooper Tikitiki secured another clean sheet and a perfect start to life in Napier.

Day Two: Fighting to the Finish

Day Two began with a tense 1–1 draw against Cambridge FC, leaving everything to play for in the final pool fixture. A crucial 1–0 win over Lower Hutt City, courtesy of Patricio Lizarraga Castillo, ensured United finished second in Pool B, narrowly missing top spot on goal difference.

That result set up a quarter-final showdown with Auckland United, one of the pre-tournament favourites. Despite a valiant effort and plenty of spirit from the young PNU side, Auckland’s quality shone through as United fell 3–0, bowing out of the competition but with plenty to be proud of.

A Tournament to Remember

The Hunters Concrete U19s ended their campaign unbeaten in pool play, finishing with four wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring 14 goals along the way. The squad displayed excellent teamwork, creativity, and character throughout — a reflection of the club’s growing youth development pathway.

Head Coach Caleb Young, Assistant Coach David McCorkindale, and Manager Adam Rose led the side with distinction, fostering a culture of belief and unity both on and off the pitch.

Palmerston North United would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors Hunters Concrete, Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey, Married by Kev, and Team Robinson Real Estate (Jess & Ian Robinson) for their ongoing support — and to all the families, fans, and volunteers who backed the team across the weekend, whether in Napier or watching online.

This year’s tournament marked a proud milestone for our club, and a clear sign of the bright future ahead for our next generation of players.

Article added: Tuesday 28 October 2025