Soccer: Hat-trick brings win for Olympic

A second half hat-trick from Mickey Malivak fired Olympic to a 4-3 win over Forrest Hill Milford in Auckland yesterday in their Chatham Cup soccer quarterfinal.

Malivak netted in the 48th, 68th and 82nd minutes as the 1994 runners-up twice came from a goal down in an ill-tempered match to clinch a place in the semifinals on the weekend of August 29.

Forrest Hill gave their home support something to celebrate with Mikael Munday's opening goal after just over 10 minutes. Only a pair of sharp saves from Nick van Hattum kept Olympic in the match until they found their legs and equalised through Malivak three minutes after the break.

Former All Whites striker Brent Fisher produced a deft header on the hour to restore Forrest Hill's lead but Malivak's second and third strikes swung the game towards Olympic.

Jimmy Halikias, provider for two of Olympic's first three goals, claimed one for himself with an 88th minute free kick that deflected wickedly over Tamati Williams.

Sheldon Pillay blasted in from close range to close the gap for Forrest Hill in injury time for a consolation goal.

In Saturday's Chatham Cup matches, Manurewa beat Nelson Suburbs 3-1, Miramar Rangers went past Waitakere City 3-1 and Three Kings United beat Caversham 4-3 in a match that was drawn 2-2 after regulation time. The draw for the semifinals will be made tomorrow with the Chatham Cup final scheduled for the weekend of September 19.

- NZPA