The home side was tenacious on attack and reslute in defence, but the resurgent Park retained some of its prematch form to grind out its third win from five games this season.
Gore Wanderers scored first after a strong run down the left flank, but Park’s reply was emphatic. Pete scored first with a fluid run and a devestating strike, and Matt Tongue’s deft, out-of-the-box chip had the visitors leading at half time.
Park started the second half in much more convincing fashion than it started the first, with flowing attacks takng the ball from defence to the Wanderers’ line.
Blakie took the score to 3-1 with a belter that lifted Parks spirits and reduced the spirited Wanderers side to chasing a target they wouldn’t meet.
Queens Park Park coach Johnny the Wad said his side took some time to shake the effects of the long drive from Invercargill to Gore, but that it regained its composure to play some fine running football.
The southernmost proponent of the Dutch style of football said the win showed his side, which had a tough first season last year, had taken its game to a new level.
Captain Glenn The Rat Williams said Park looked good when it strung its passes together, but that his boys had to build on their strong start to the season to turn the rest of the year to their advantage.
Scorers: (Park) Pete, Matt Tongue, Blakie; (Wanderers) That bloke on the wing
Player of the Day: Stu
Photo: Enigmatic QPAFC captain Glenn Rat Williams on the charge moments before dispossessing the gangling Gore striker.
Photo: Barnstorming Canadian cracker Randy Bell bursts through a tackle to let loose down an orange-covered flank.
Photo: Tireless midfiled maestro Nathan Renfree forces a save from the Gore Wanderers keeper, after a remarkable solo run from the wing to the top of a heavily guarded Wanderers box.
Photo: Keeper and club president Barney Barnett is fouled as he clears the ball from the Gore striker. Only early bad luck in an otherwise complete goalkeeping display left the respected campaigner one goal shy of a clean sheet.
