KEY POINTS:
Central United's golden run has gone all the way to the Chatham Cup final.
For the third time in as many outings at the business end of the competition, Central rewarded their faithful with a victory in a game that went to extra time in getting up 3-1 at Kiwitea St over a gritty North Shore United.
The home side deserved to win but made hard work of it by failing to turn a wealth of possession into goals.
That lack of strike power in front of goal threatened to cost them but in the end a late penalty and a deserved goal from man of the match Jake Mathews sealed it.
In losing goal-grabber Dave Richmond inside 10 minutes to an ankle injury which resulted in a trip to hospital in an ambulance, the home side lost attacking direction.
The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when, following a foul on Grant Young by Sam Jasper, Sam Mathews played in a freekick on the angle which picked out brother Joel who, under no challenge, volleyed home.
But the joy was short-lived as, from the restart, the ball was flicked through to Michael Gwyther who showed deft skills in flicking between the Central defenders before slotting a low shot out of goalkeeper Richard Gillespie's reach.
The second spell produced little apart from an early half chance for Gwyther and, soon after, a couple of chances for Luis del Monte which Simon Eaddy firstly parried and then watched as the rebound flew over the bar.
Del Monte had a chance to snatch it 10 minutes from time but hooked his shot wide.
Either side of extra time both teams were reduced to 10 players with Rupesh Puna and Craig Dale sent off for second yellow cards.
Jason Hayne, del Monte and substitute Michael Boxall then went close for the home side but it was not until the last minute of the first 15-minute period they finally regained the lead.
In a needless tackle, Jake Mathews was tripped. Del Monte, off the upright, converted from the spot.
Two minutes from time, Hayne and Jake Mathews played a one-two which presented Mathews with a simple goal to finish it.
Central, chasing a fourth cup triumph, have that firmly in their sights following this week's lucky draw which handed the winner of yesterday's game a home final.
Given it will be played at Kiwitea St, maybe there is the chance New Zealand Football bosses might revisit their decision not to chase television coverage.
With a full house almost certain, the final deserves all the exposure it can get.
Maybe those innovative people at the Sandringham-based club will do something about that.
The winner of this weekend's semifinal in Dunedin face the daunting trip north for that date with destiny especially if it is Caversham, who have yet to play in a final.
