Soccer: Chatham Cup cakewalk for champions Central

By Terry Maddaford

Chatham Cup-holders Central, who could have three testing ties later in this year's competition with a host of players away on international soccer duty, had a first-round cakewalk on Saturday. They can expect another in the second.

Even without playmaker Fred de Jong, Central outgunned non-leaguers Tuck Inn Coffee Shop 13-2 and face another from the Businesshouse League, Kings Arms Cosmos (who enjoyed a first round bye), in the May 22 second round.

Tinoi Christie led the assault for Central with four, while fellow All White Mark Elrick grabbed three, as did Daniel Aliaga.

Former cup giant Mt Wellington also had a one-sided romp as they thrashed Northland United 10-1, spearheaded by a Jeff Campbell hat-trick.

There will be no glory run for Three Kings. The Bluebird premier side - a combination of former cup winners Eden and Mt Roskill - dipped out 2-0 to Kevin Fallon's Mt Albert Grammar at Keith Hay Park.

The visitors went ahead after 41 minutes when Daniel Trent was brought down by Ian Joyce. Youth international Allan Pearce stepped forward for the penalty only to see his shot parried by debutant goalkeeper Derek Woodworth. Unfortunately the ball spilled back to Pearce, who bundled his second attempt home.

Twenty minutes into the second spell the schoolboys made it safe when skipper Stephen Morrell charged to head home a right-wing corner.

There was no way back for the dispirited Three Kings side, who spent as much time grumbling among themselves as they did trying to chase their fleet-footed rivals. Mt Albert are away to Onehunga Mangere next up.

North Shore, Eastern Suburbs and Manurewa kept their hopes of further cup glory alive with first-up victories.

Manurewa beat non-league West Hamilton 4-1, Eastern Suburbs came from a goal down to beat Fencibles 3-1 while Shore had a battle royal before edging Papatoetoe 3-2.

Suburbs should go at least another round after being drawn against non-league West Harbour, while Manurewa face a tricky away tie with Auckland Grammar, who had a first-round bye.

North Island League side Melville were made to work for their 2-0 away win over Drury. They face Businesshouse side Dispensary Bar in the next round.