Ex-Workington Reds player Kirkup stars in NZ match

By John Fuller

Last updated 16:20, Thursday, 13 November 2008

Former Workington Reds defender Dan Kirkup was voted man-of-the-match in his first game for New Zealand side Hawke’s Bay United.

Kirkup, 20, played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Waikato in the New Zealand Football Championship and should have scored early on.

He said: “The first game went really well for me and I was unlucky not to score in the first minute.

“I went up for a set piece and got my head on the ball but it went wide. I should have done better really.

“Waikato had a player that could throw the ball as far as Rory Delap so I was kept on my toes all game heading the ball clear and the fans got behind me.”

Hawke’s Bay have does their best to help Kirkup feel at home. They have given him a flat and a car and are allowing the 6ft 4ins defender to coach their U14 squad.

Kirkup, who was on Carlisle United’s books until the summer, said: “I have settled in really well here and I’m enjoying it. I still miss people at home but I have a great chance to gain experience coaching Hawke’s Bay’s U14 team.”

Kirkup’s contract in New Zealand runs out in April and he said that when he returns to England he wants to get back playing for Workington.

He said: “Being out in New Zealand was a fantastic opportunity for me to play football, that’s all I have ever wanted to do.

“Darren Edmondson has my number and if he needs me then I would be very happy to re-join Workington when I get home.”