Navy Blues Triumph in Chatham Cup Semi Thriller

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 18 August 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC, celebrating their 20th anniversary, have booked their spot in the Chatham Cup final with a thrilling 4-2 extra-time win over one of their closest rivals, Birkenhead United.

The rainy and windy conditions couldn’t dampen the spirits of a host of Auckland City legends past and present in attendance alongside a big, vocal, and passionate crowd for this highly anticipated clash on Sunday afternoon at Kiwitea Street.

With the Auckland City alumni gathered for the jubilee closely watching on, it was the visitors who started stronger, taking a deserved lead when Monty Patterson’s flick from close range bounced off the upright and inches over the line in the 33rd minute.

But the hosts rallied two minutes before the break. Angus Kilkolly, who scored a hat-trick in the Chatham Cup quarterfinals against Otago University, leveled the scores from the spot after a handball inside the visitors’ box.

The second half opened up into an entertaining contest with chances at both ends. City keeper Conor Tracey and his Birkenhead counterpart, Silvio Rodic, were kept busy, with both glovemen producing a string of fantastic saves.

Ryan De Vries broke the deadlock with a superb solo effort from long range in the 56th minute, but Birkenhead refused to go away and equalised courtesy of Sam Philip in the 68th minute, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, the Navy Blues reclaimed their lead with De Vries setting up his strike partner Kilkolly, who kept his composure to coolly finish.

Chances kept coming at both ends, and with minutes on the clock, Kailan Gould looked to have sealed the game for the hosts, but his wicked shot crashed back off the post.

However, there was still time for the home fans to celebrate the jubilee in style, as Kilkolly completed another hat-trick with a lovely finish.

Auckland City will face Wellington Olympic in the Chatham Cup title decider on 7 September at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium.

Key Moments

Monty Patterson’s Opener: Patterson gave Birkenhead United an early lead and set the tone for an intense match.

Angus Kilkolly’s Equaliser: Just before halftime, Kilkolly levelled the scores from the penalty spot after a handball in the box, showcasing his composure under pressure.

Ryan De Vries’ Long-Range Goal: De Vries broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a stunning solo effort from long range, a goal that will be remembered for its sheer brilliance.

Sam Philip’s Equaliser: Birkenhead’s resilience was on display when Philip equalised in the 68th minute, ensuring the match went into extra time.

Kilkolly’s Extra-Time Goals: Kilkolly’s cool finish to reclaim the lead and his hat-trick goal to seal the victory were crucial moments that highlighted his importance to the team.

Ends

MATCH DETAILS
CHATHAM CUP SF
Sunday, 18 August 2024
Auckland City FC: 4 (Angus KILKOLLY 43’(PEN), 99', 120’+4', Ryan DE VRIES 56’)
Birkenhead United: 2 (Monty PATTERSON 33' Sam PHILIP 68’)

4:2 AET (1:1, 2:2, 3:2)

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 9. Angus KILKOLLY, 10. Dylan MANICKUM (6. Kailan GOULD 77’), 11. Ryan DE VRIES, 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE, (22. Tong ZHO 69’), 23. Alfie ROGERS, (12. Regont MURATI 85’), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 27. Stipe UKICH (20. Derek TIEKU 90’)

SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK),

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE