It was a competitive game that saw both teams fighting till the end, desperate to gain points early in the season — but it was the Royals that held on to bank a 1-0 victory.
The Royals started well and applied early pressure with effective combination play from Hugh Jack, En Wantanabe and Jack Julian.
Brady Jacobs ensured the Royals struck early when Wānaka was caught napping early and scored.
The Royals were close to scoring again when Ben Campbell’s headed effort was cleared of the line.
Captain Connor Neil’s hard running and hustle alsocaused the visitors headaches.
The Royals had the better of the first half.
Wānaka gained the ascendancy in the second half and dominated most of the possession but were not able to get past the Royals defence where debutant Tom Milton stood out.
Wānaka’s coach Ben Sippola disappointed their second half performance did not lead to shared points.
Royals’ coach Blair Scoullar was pleased his side bounced back from an uncharacteristic performance last week, saying they looked a different team and it was amazing what a week turn around can do in football.
In the other Southern League games, Cashmere Technical scored two late goals through Yusuf Van Dam and Gabe Gallaway to secure a 4-2 win against Coastal Spirit.
Nelson Suburbs were denied the chance to join Technical at the top, when Christchurch United’s Jago Godden equalised in the last minute to secure a 1-1 draw.
Ferrymead Bays beat Selwyn 5-0 and Nomads United thumped University of Canterbury 6-0.
By Neville Watson
