Soccer: Kerikeri Bay are last ones standing

Kerikeri Bay Builders are the only Northland football team remaining in the men's Federation One Cup knockout competition after Tikipunga was knocked out by Ranui Swanson.

Tikipunga, who were the defending champions, were eliminated from the cup quarter-finals by Ranui Swanson after going down 3-2 at home.

Despite Saturday's loss, Tikipunga coach Dan Dunbar believes losing is not a bad thing especially when it is to a team like Ranui Swanson.

"I've got sort of mixed feelings really," Dunbar said. "I'm gutted obviously about being knocked out of the cup, but pretty proud of the effort. We were 3-nil down with 30 to go and almost nicked the equaliser towards the end.

"There's a lot to be proud of when a team comes back but three goals was a little too much. Last year they were 2-nil up and we came back to beat them 3-2, the irony is last year we beat them and knocked them out as defending champions and they've given us one back."

Dunbar credited the return of former North Force goalie Leon Taylor who came in and played at right back to claim the player of the day gong.

Steve Crowley scored both of Tikipunga's goals to take him to 20 for the season.

Meanwhile, Kerikeri secured their spot in the cup semifinals 3-1 win over Glenfield Exell at home.

In the plate quarter-finals, Central Brown were victors over Auckland's Norwest United by 3-2 while Kamo also came away with 3-2 win over Birkenhead Camelspace.

Northland football teams return to the local version of the FA Cup, the Stafford Choat, this weekend.