YU OKUBO Stars for Hills United

Hills United’s Japanese striker Yu Okubo spearheaded a 4-1 trouncing of NSW Spirit in their NSW NPL football game last Saturday.

Okubo’s scintillating hat-trick not only bamboozled the Spirit goalkeeper Christopher Marques but also provided a much-needed boost for the Hills in their bid to avoid relegation in their first season.

Okubo has been in sublime form and with playmaker Glen Kelshaw, scored the goals to lift the spirits of the Hills United faithful at Landen Stadium. Okubo headed the ball home in the first goal from close range\ in the 24th minute after Kelshaw’s lovely cross.

The Hills went into lemons at 1-0 and doubled the lead with Okubo’s booming strike in the 59th minute. Kelshaw then netted a delightful goal which flew to the left hand side of the goal.

Okubo completed his first hattrick for the club – his 10th goal for the season – in the 77th minute after receiving a splendid pass from Byron Ginn. Sprit scored a consolation goal soon after when Michael Konestabo finally beat Hills custodian Ryan Wood.

Hills United, who are now in 12th place in the 16-team competition, take on sixth-placed St George FC at Landen Stadium on Saturday, July 27, at 7pm.