A 2-1 win for Flying Mullet Papamoa over fellow Loaded WaiBOP Premiership league contenders Waikato Unicol has kept them firmly in the title frame, just a point off the summit after leaders Tauranga Boys' College were held to a draw.

On a day where many would have preferred the indoor comfort of an open fire the two sides adapted well to the bitterly cold and rainy conditions at Hamilton's Jansen Park.

Unicol made their intentions clear early in the game fielding a packed five-man midfield, supported by a well drilled back four defence.

Papamoa adapted well against this line up, mounting a wave of slick-passing attacking play. Dave Molloy and Andrew Cooper caught the eye with some swift positional changes, drawing the Unicol midfield players out of formation.

Their positive start though was handicapped on 24 minutes when Papamoa's free-scoring forward Fawwaz Ali suffered an injury blow.

The former Unicol player pulled up with a recurrence of the hamstring injury that had kept him on the physio's table for the past two weeks. Mitch Hales came on as replacement.

At the restart the home side's composure was restored and their attacking game began to flow, forcing Papamoa keeper Ryan Foord into a number of top saves from successive attempts.

But then Unicol's pressure was rewarded with the opening goal. A goalmouth scramble produced a tap in from close range, which Foord was unable to deal with.

Papamoa's response though was positive, with a display of their trademark accurate passing game.

Keeping their composure and growing with confidence, the equaliser came courtesy of a 43rd penalty to former All White Cole Peverley, following a handball infringement.

Despite the continuous rain both sets of players entertained the brave band of spectators with some polished football.

Another Andrew Cooper attempt thwarted by the Unicol keeper

Ryan Foord stood out again, while Papamoa's back line of Philip Fletcher, Cole Peverley, Campbell Attwood and skipper Campbell Higgins put in another controlled performance showing once again why they have conceded the fewest goals in the league.

The highlight of the game came from Dean Styles, who is making a habit of scoring spectacular goals. His 75^th minute strike - which proved to be the winner - was a beautifully measured volley from all of 35 yards that whistled over the keeper's left shoulder and ripped into the back of the net.

The scoring had finished, but the action had not. Unicol pushed forward to grab an equaliser, while Papamoa still had designs on increasing their lead.

Man of the Match Andrew Cooper came painfully close to doing so on a number of occasions, but was denied with some great keeping and defending from the home side.

On another day he might have been celebrating a hat trick.

After the game coach Andy Birchenough commented: "Out there today is what this game is all about, two teams wanting to play football. Unicol gave us a tough contest.

'I'm delighted with how our lads kept their composure and came back from a goal down to win today. It shows real character."

Andy thought Cooper's effort was special. "I thought Coops performance today epitomised the spirit and confidence of our team, his unselfish work rate was outstanding.”

Head Coach Duncan Lowry says he's happy with his team's position in the league.

"It's looking like a three horse race at the top - Taupo, Tauranga Boys' College and ourselves. I must say though I was disappointed with Old Blues defaulting against Taupo and presenting three points, three goals and a week's rest to Taupo without kicking a ball.

'But still those are the rules. It will not stop us going out to win every game we are involved in.”

Papamoa's next game is home to Taupo, Saturday 4th August at Gordon Spratt Reserve, kickoff 2.45.

Flying Mullet Papamoa: Ryan Foord, Philip Fletcher, Campbell Attwood, Campbell Higgins (Cpt), Cole Peverley, Isaac Bright, Dean Styles, Fawwaz Ali, Dave Molloy, Andrew Cooper, Logan Crawford.

Subs: Mitch Hales, Liam Molloy, Alex Wilson.

Cooper rides a tough challenge