KEY POINTS:
Central United 0
Western Suburbs 0
Central won 10-9 on penalties
Central United gave their legion of fans what they wanted - victory in the 80th Chatham Cup final. But, the 2000 or so faithful who turned up would have been much happier if the silverware had been won by the short route rather than having to endure a nerve-jangling penalty shootout.
For the second time in as many seasons, Wellington's Western Suburbs were involved in a 120-minute arm wrestle before going to the dreaded shootout without a goal being scored.
Last season they prevailed 3-0 over Eastern Suburbs to hoist the trophy for the third time. Yesterday they went home empty-handed, on the wrong end of an amazing 10-9 shootout scoreline.
On chances created - but badly missed - the home side were comfortably ahead but in not finishing the job they did their best to give Phil Imray and Wests a second successive victory.
The first half hour was awful.
Too much turned over ball. Little direction and football well short of what such an occasion demands and deserves - a none-too-subtle reason why New Zealand Football Championship teams should sooner rather than later be involved.
The best of less than a handful of genuine scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes came four minutes from the break when Central's Jason Hayne drove a freekick into the Suburbs goalmouth. Grant Young charged but came up empty.
A minute later Luis del Monte (Central) won a freekick and then, from 20m, hit the crossbar.
Chances were created - more for the home side - but with the radar was switched off. Respective goalkeepers Richard Gillespie and Imray were rarely tested.
Young was the most notable villain. Handed three or four (maybe more) gift-wrapped Father's Day presents he tossed them away on a day he will happily forget.
Young could have won this single-handedly. Instead he was overshadowed by midfield dynamo del Monte who never gave up and could have stolen it with a 102nd minute dipper which took the crossbar. Two minutes from time he set up substitute Keryn Jordan. He hooked his attempt wide.
Del Monte at least had his efforts recognised in joining some illustrious players including All Whites Duncan Cole, Michael McGarry and Ivan Vicelich in being named the recipient the Jack Batty Memorial Trophy as the player of the day.
Inevitably - and that seemed likely a long way out - the players had to play extra time (for the 19th time since the Cup was first played for in 1923) and later a fourth penalty shootout.
If much of what had gone before had been ordinary, the decider was absolutely top class.
Central went first. Jordan smartly whipped home from the spot. Rupert Ryan, one of the best of the visitors, replied in a like manner.
The tit-for-tat continued with 18 classic penalties finding the target for 9-9.
Up stepped Young. His shot from the spot was palmed by Imray but not kept out. At 10-9, it was advantage Central.
Left back Sam Peters trooped forward - the last of the 20 outfield players. Success from the spot would tie it up and leave goalkeeper Gillespie and Captain Courageous Imray to decide it.
But Peters could not respond. He fired high and handsome and the Central players headed for the presentation joining Wellington's Waterside and Napier City Rovers as four-time Chatham Cup winners.
