SOCCER - FC eliminated in action-packed duel

A goal to Wayne Crowley with six minutes to go gave FC Whangarei faint hope in their Federation Cup semifinal against Waitakere City on Saturday but the full-time whistle blew before they could complete a comeback with an equaliser.
The 1-2 defeat saw them knocked out of the competition at the final hurdle at Morningside Park but as coach Peter Brown pointed out, the action-packed match was an example of a great cup-tie.
"My guys gave 110 percent but it just wasn't to be, we had them on the back foot for the whole of the second spell with 10 men but we just couldn't put it in the net," Brown said.
The home side started the match well but despite dominating possession their attacks were thwarted by a strong defence.
Whangarei were rocked by two early goals - firstly from a Scott Bult penalty in the 13th minute and then seven minutes later a fantastic 40m volley by Jerrad Edward which caught FC keeper Ben Lee off his line.
The home side were soon rocked by a controversial refereeing call.
"We had Adam Sharp sent off after 30 minutes without warning for a tackle from behind when just five minutes before one of their players had been booked for exactly the same thing," Brown said.
The call strengthened Waitakere's control of the match but the locals shrugged off the setback and continued to probe the solid defence.
Once Brown strengthened his attacking options by bringing on Trent Keogh and Steve Crowley in the final quarter a goal seemed inevitable. But Crowley's goal, from a 35m freekick, was too late.
FC Whangarei are virtually assured of silverware this season with victory in the Northland Premier League competition just one win away.
The club still has the chance of another trophy after receiving a bye into the quarterfinals of the Stafford Choat competition last week.
They were joined by premier league competitors Kamo, who beat Central Brown 4-1 on Saturday, and Tikipunga and Onerahi, who both had comfortable wins over lower-division opponents.
The two closest encounters in the end-of-year knockout competition came from clashes between lower division teams. Paihia surprised first division champions Madhatters Green with a 1-0 victory, while second division Central Brown reserves held first division Bay Cosmos to 0-0 after extra time before beating them 2-1 in a penalty shootout.