FC Nelson Karenni off to a flying start

A second half blitz has seen FC Nelson Karenni gets its football season off to a flying start, beating Richmond 6-1 at Jubilee Park today.

The game was one of four played in the first round of the Nelson Bays Football men's first division.

Elsewhere, Nelson Suburbs drew 2-2 with Rangers in Blenheim after the hosts scored a stoppage-time equaliser; FC Nelson beat Tahuna FC 3-0 at Guppy Park and Golden Bay beat Motueka 4-1 in Takaka.

Back at Jubilee Park, FC Nelson Karenni were up 2-0 at half time with goals from Labu Pan and Phun Thawng but Richmond threatened a come-back with a Max Duncan goal minutes into the second half from a free kick at the edge of the box.

FC Nelson didn't let the goal rattle them though, with hattrick hero Phun scoring his second just minutes later, before Baw Reh, Phun and Bureh finished off the comfortable win for the visitors.

In the Nelson Bays Football women's first division, which also kicked off today, Suburbs Reserves beat Mapua Cougars 6-1 at Saxton Field, Suburbs Swans beat Motueka Angels 9-0 in Motueka, Richmond Foxes beat Tahuna Breakers 7-0 in Tahuna and Golden Bay Shield Maidens beat FC Nelson Diamonds 6-0 at Neale Park in Nelson.