Three Kings Utd 2
Miramar Rangers 1
Sam Mathews could attempt a volley like the smashing match-winner he struck against Miramar Rangers at Keith Hay Park yesterday another 100 times and never get close.
But his Three Kings United teammates could not care less.
His strike befitted the occasion - any occasion - and was good enough
for a 2-1 victory against the odds. It also booked unheralded Three Kings a first Chatham Cup final appearance.
They now can look forward to a likely trip to North Harbour Stadium to play another team from the capital, after Wellington Olympic beat two-time Cup-winners Manurewa 2-0 at Newtown Park in yesterday's other semifinal.
Mathews' clincher capped a stirring fightback by the home side against the Cup favourites, who had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Dominic Rowe rode an attempted defensive challenge before snapping home a well-taken goal.
Heavy rain in the latter part of the first half left the far side of the pitch sodden and difficult for flowing football. In adapting best to the conditions in the second spell, after a pretty ordinary first-half effort, the home side fully deserved their eventual victory.
From goalkeeper Greg Walters through defenders Joel Mathews and Andre Sherad, Luiz del Monte in midfield and Daniel Finlay and Stu Hogg up front, the hosts became more assured as the game progressed.
Answering coach Paul Marshall's call to play more in the Miramar half, Three Kings picked up their game.
That both goals - the first scored by Hogg when a del Monte corner was played back in by Joel Mathews and the second, the Sam Mathews cracker - came from set play was testimony to their organisation and pluck.
Three Kings were playing for club stalwart Ken Sargent who left his hospital bed to be at the sideline for the biggest day in his club's history.
Marshall said: "I'm over the moon - for a number of reasons," before joining his players in celebrating a famous victory. "It is a magnificent result for the club.
"We weren't in the game in the first half. We did not stick to our game plan but we defended well."
It was not as close at Newtown Park. Goals to Mickey Malivuk (32 minutes) and Jimmy Haidakis (57 minutes) earned Olympic their second appearance in a final, after losing 1-0 to Waitakere City 15 years ago.
In women's Knockout Cup semifinals, northern teams again dominated. Claudelands Rovers won through after beating Western 3-2 away in Christchurch, and hot favourites Lynn Avon United, sparked by an Amber Hearn hat-trick, demolished Upper Hutt United 10-0 at Ken Maunder Park.
Word on the venue for both finals is expected in the next 48 hours.
