Two Hawke’s Bay sides have had their national football knockout hopes ended for 2023 with cup losses in Napier and Palmerston North.
Hawke’s Bay men’s Premier 1 leaders Napier Marist did well in being beaten just 1-0 at home by Central League side and big capital city club, North Wellington, in a Chatham Cup round 2 match at Bond Field, Park Island, while in the women’s Kate Sheppard Cup, Hawke’s Bay league side Havelock North Wanderers were beaten 7-0 away to Central League side Palmerston North Marist.
The men’s match in Napier was played at a quick clip, and with the home side having saved two early shots on goal, it was 0-0 at halftime.
When Ali Nazari scored in the last 20 minutes for the young visitors, which coach James Prosser said were fielding 10 players aged under 20, the home side appeared to be tiring, but after a couple of close calls around the net, battled back and managed at least two shots of their own, albeit from longer range, but one taken out in a high save towards the corner of the net.
It was North Wellington’s second trip to Napier in six days, having the previous Sunday played a Central League match against Napier City Rovers, who have a home Chatham Cup round 2 match today against Island Bay United at Bluewater Stadium, Park Island.
