Napier City Rovers mark McLean Park return with 5-2 win

Napier City Rovers celebrated their first appearance at McLean Park in 26 years with a 5-2 win over Palmerston North United yesterday.

The Central League champions played the curtain-raiser to Auckland FC’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Coach Bill Robertson said the return was a “great occasion” for the players and staff, as well as supporters and sponsors who came to watch the team play at McLean Park.

“Our last game was the first game of a National League campaign in 2000, so 26 years ago, and I think we won that day,” he told Hawke’s Bay News.

He said the club appreciated the organisers giving Rovers the opportunity to take part in the double-header and welcomed the two A-League sides to Hawke’s Bay.

“Football’s booming in the region and hopefully there’s some support for the game today and for Napier City Rovers, but it can only be a good thing for the region.”

The match also provided preparation for Rovers’ National League campaign, which begins next weekend.

Rovers led 4-0 before Palmerston North United scored in the 54th minute. The visitors added another in the 79th minute, before Rovers scored their fifth goal in the 90th minute.

“Pleased to get a win. Some things to work on, but overall, a good day for us,” Robertson said.

Looking further ahead, Robertson said the club had also qualified for next year’s new National League and saw itself as representing Hawke’s Bay as well as the club.

“We’ll represent Napier City Rovers, but also we feel we’re representing the region, we’re the only regional team in that competition.”

“All the others come from major centres, so we have some challenges, but we’re proud to represent Hawke’s Bay on a national stage and hopefully people can get behind us and support us.”