Soccer: Penalties needed to sort out play-offs

Two nail-biting penalty shootouts added plenty of spice to the opening round of play-offs in the New Zealand Football Championship yesterday.

When the dust finally settled in the gathering gloom, YoungHeart Manawatu were left with the prospect of a sudden death survivor against Team Wellington this week, Canterbury United had booked the chance of the short route to the grand final and Otago United's season was over.

The major clash at the Arena in Palmerston North produced plenty of action for 120 minutes but no goals.

Former Knight Jeremy Brockie had two early chances for Canterbury United but could not beat Manawatu goalkeeper Mike Utting. The cut and thrust unfolded with the Solomon Islanders rallying the home team. Benjamin Totori and Commins Menapi created half chances but too came up short.

The best chance fell to Michael White two minutes into added time at the end of the game but he was denied by a brilliant Utting save.

In extra time Menapi had an early chance but a good save by United goalkeeper James Bannatyne kept the match scoreless.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men after 107 minutes when Chris Morris was sent off by referee Peter O'Leary for a foul on Totori. Manawatu continued to press but did not score and the game went to a shootout.

Menapi gave the home side the early advantage but when Ian Sandbrook fired his attempt over the bar, Canterbury shut it out 5-4 with five straight. Canterbury will now play Auckland City at Kiwitea St, the winner going straight to the April 22 final.

An own goal handed Team Wellington the early lead at Newtown Park.

Under pressure, the Otago United defence failed to clear and Tim Horner succeeded only in heading the ball into his own net.

The visitors made it hard for themselves as they attempted to close the gap when substitute Craig Dale was sent off after an exchange of words with referee Ian Walker.

Five minutes from time the visitors finally equalised when Blair Scoullar booted home from the penalty spot.

Extra time began badly for Otago when Michael Cunningham was sent off for a studs-up tackle. Down to nine players they battled well and then took the lead after 100 minutes when Michael Eisenhut pounced on a weak back pass to score. Two minutes later it was locked up at 2-2 when Graham Little scored.

With no further scoring, the season for one team or the other then hung on the penalty shootout.

Raf De Gregorio gave the home side the start they wanted. Scoullar then had his attempt saved by Dylan Hall. Quickly, it was all over with the home side through 4-1 and facing the trip to Palmerston North to keep their season going.