Chatham Cup Run Ends in Dramatic Fashion

First-half setback

Fencibles United took the lead on 30 minutes. A corner delivery found Liam Wessels, who headed home to put the hosts in front.

On the stroke of half-time, the advantage doubled. Riwai Stanton finished clinically to send Fencibles into the break 2–0 up. It had been a tight opening spell, but the home side made their chances count.

City fight back

The Navy Blues responded with character after the interval. In the 67th minute, Nathan Lobo pulled one back, giving City renewed momentum.

Just three minutes later, Dylan Manickum levelled the match from close range, completing a rapid turnaround and shifting the pressure onto the hosts.

City continued to push and thought they had taken the lead when Michal Doudera found the net in the 78th minute, but the assistant referee flagged for offside and the goal was ruled out.

Late twist

With extra time looming, Fencibles struck again. In the 88th minute, Yoichi Kawachi fired in a long-range effort to restore the home side’s lead.

Stoppage-time heartbreak

There was still one final chance. Deep into stoppage time, Auckland City were awarded a penalty. Angus Kilkolly stepped up, but Toby Lewis saved the effort — the last kick of the match.

Aftermath

Fencibles were the better side for the first hour and earned their two-goal lead. City’s comeback showed resilience and quality, and for a spell they looked the more likely to win. But the hosts rallied again late, and Lewis’ penalty save proved decisive.

A dramatic quarter-final, decided by the narrowest of margins.

Ends

Chatham Cup Quarter Final
Saturday,  25  July
Riverhills Park

Fencibles United AFC: 3 (Liam WESSELS 29′ Riwai STANTON 45′ Yoichi KAWACHI 88′)
Auckland City FC:  2 (Nathan LOBO  67’  Dylan MANICKUM 70)

HT: 2-0

AC: 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY,  5. Nathan ROSTRON 7. Michal DOUDERA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO (8. Gerard GARRIGA 89′) 14. Shaan ANAND (20. Pavel OSMANčIK 46′) 16. Fergus GILLION (26. Matt ELLIS 53′) 

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) (15. Rhys DAVIES)

HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON