SouthCity Royals travelled to Roslyn-Wakari in what was the tie of the weekend in the first round of the Chatham Cup. They came away with a 3-1 win to continue a strong run of form.
The Royals started the brighter of the two sides, dominating possession.
But Roslyn opened the scoring. A long ball to winger Justin Wiechens led to a cross to Nathan Wilkie, who shot past goalkeeper Alex Boomer.
The home team nearly doubled its lead, again attacking down the left, but this time Harley Rodeka’s shot went just wide. Right before halftime, the South Dunedin club equalised through Raven August when he headed home following Callan Rothmet’s perfect cross from the left.
In the second half, substitute Connor Neil made a real impact for the Royals. He got behind Roslyn’s backline, forcing Tom Stevens to make an initial save. Ollie Petersen then popped up at the far post and redirected the ball into the back of the net.
The Royals finished the game off in similar fashion — this time from the right.
Will Turner skilfully beat two defenders inside the box and got his shot off. Stevens again got a foot to the ball but Neil raced on to the loose ball at the far post and sealed the victory.
Mosgiel was too strong for Timaru side West End, winning 5-0.
Lewis Wall bagged a deserved hat trick with Kasim Ali and Rory Findlay being the other scorers.
Gore Wanderers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Grants Braes 3-2.
When Braes’ Kim Gorman scored on 60 minutes following an earlier goal from Joshua Smith, the side was up 2-0.
Two goals from Jack Boland in three minutes had Gore back on level terms. Frank De Jong kept his nerve to seal the win with a penalty in the 80th minute.
Wanaka eased past Invercargill’s Queens Park 4-0.
Two early goals from Brandon Dickson and Steve Pleskun settled the home side.
Toa Roode and Pleskun added further goals.
Queenstown also made it safely into the next round with a 3-0 victory in Geraldine after a scoreless first half.
Kyle Reid’s towering header put the visitor ahead.
Further goals to Graeme Beveridge and a ferocious dipping shot from Paulo Bjork give the score line a truer reflection on Queenstown’s dominance.
Green Island travelled to Timaru Thistle and won 6-1.
- Neville Watson
