Christchurch United Football Club roared again as they clinched their first English Cup since 1991, by prevailing over Cashmere Technical in a 3 - 2 Final showdown on Saturday. Another trophy to be proudly displayed in the United cabinet alongside recent conquests of the Chatham Cup just a week prior, and the Southern League title several weeks earlier.
From the initial whistle the first pivotal moment came when Eddie Wilkinson was brought down on the edge of the area. United's steadfast captain, Matt Tod-Smith, then converted the ensuing penalty. The first half concluded with opportunities at either end, with Wilkinson and Sam Philip narrowly missing the mark for United, while Yuya Taguchi and Garbhan Coughlan came close for Technical.
After the interval, Technical surged back, restoring the score. Andrew Storer heading home from a freekick on the right edge of the goal area. United retaliated, with Wilkison's strike parried by Technical's keeper, Aiden Chrystal, only for the rebound to be cleared by Storer. Moments later, Tod-Smith found himself in open space, unleashing a stunning strike from the edge of the goal area.
The onslaught of chances persisted, with Wilkinson's shot cannoning off the post. Technical, undeterred, rallied and drawing level with 12 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Declan Tyndall capitalizing on a setup by Coughlan. As the game clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, both sides continued to press forward, leaving the packed stadium on the edge of their seats. Then, in a stroke of brilliance, Benji Lapslie harnessed the wind, delivering a direct goal from a corner. In the dying moments, United thwarted a corner play, as Coughlan's touch sent the ball wide of the post.
The indomitable Matt Tod-Smith was bestowed with the prestigious Steve Summer Medal, a testament to his performance as the Player of the Final. With this triumph, both Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical now set their sights on the 9 Round National League Championship, set to kick off next weekend.
Result / Scorers:
Christchurch United 3 (Matt Tod-Smith 2 - incl pen, Benji Lapslie)
Cashmere Technical 2 (Andrew Storer, Declan Tyndall)
HT 1 - 0
Steve Summer Medal: Matt Tod-Smith
From the initial whistle the first pivotal moment came when Eddie Wilkinson was brought down on the edge of the area. United's steadfast captain, Matt Tod-Smith, then converted the ensuing penalty. The first half concluded with opportunities at either end, with Wilkinson and Sam Philip narrowly missing the mark for United, while Yuya Taguchi and Garbhan Coughlan came close for Technical.
After the interval, Technical surged back, restoring the score. Andrew Storer heading home from a freekick on the right edge of the goal area. United retaliated, with Wilkison's strike parried by Technical's keeper, Aiden Chrystal, only for the rebound to be cleared by Storer. Moments later, Tod-Smith found himself in open space, unleashing a stunning strike from the edge of the goal area.
The onslaught of chances persisted, with Wilkinson's shot cannoning off the post. Technical, undeterred, rallied and drawing level with 12 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Declan Tyndall capitalizing on a setup by Coughlan. As the game clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, both sides continued to press forward, leaving the packed stadium on the edge of their seats. Then, in a stroke of brilliance, Benji Lapslie harnessed the wind, delivering a direct goal from a corner. In the dying moments, United thwarted a corner play, as Coughlan's touch sent the ball wide of the post.
The indomitable Matt Tod-Smith was bestowed with the prestigious Steve Summer Medal, a testament to his performance as the Player of the Final. With this triumph, both Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical now set their sights on the 9 Round National League Championship, set to kick off next weekend.
Result / Scorers:
Christchurch United 3 (Matt Tod-Smith 2 - incl pen, Benji Lapslie)
Cashmere Technical 2 (Andrew Storer, Declan Tyndall)
HT 1 - 0
Steve Summer Medal: Matt Tod-Smith
