In a heart-stopping showdown against Melville United, Christchurch United has shattered a 32-year Chatham Cup drought, etching our name in the annals of football history. The South Island's football giants, on par with their arch-rivals of yesteryear, Mt Wellington, now boast an astounding seven Chatham Cup titles, a feat matched by none.
The electrifying final, staged at North Harbour Stadium in Albany, unfolded in dramatic fashion. Despite the gut-wrenching blow of conceding a 98th-minute equalizer, an unexpected goal from Melville's shot-stopper Max Tommy, Christchurch United prevailed, clinching a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
The echoes of 1991 resound as United clinches their first Chatham Cup since their National League/Chatham Cup double triumph, a feat last achieved in 1975. Whilst being crowed champions in the Southern League, this season may herald another historic double, with the National League title within reach.
In an awe-inspiring first half, masterminded by the tactical brilliance of former Phoenix star Paul Ifill, Christchurch United surged ahead 2-0. Fate dealt a cruel hand to Melville, with both their fullbacks inadvertently conceding own goals. The first, a thunderous drive from Matt Tod-Smith, ricocheted off Lucca Lim's legs and found the net. The second, a deft flick From Jago Godden from a corner, met George Brown's touch, sealing the lead.
Despite a flurry of golden opportunities to seal the deal, Christchurch United couldn't put the game to bed, paving the way for Melville in the second half. Culminating in the score being held at 2-2 after normal time
As exhaustion weighed heavily during an arduous 30 minutes of extra time, chances were aplenty, but Melville denying every attempt. The stage was set for a nail-biting penalty shootout, and it was Melville who blinked. United's New Zealand U23s keeper, Scott Morris, pulled off a crucial save, leaving it fittingly to skipper Tod-Smith to slot home the winning goal, igniting scenes of total celebration among the Christchurch fans who had made the trip to Auckland.
With the Chatham Cup safely tucked away, Christchurch United's pursuit of trophies continues, with the National League and the highly anticipated English Cup final against Cashmere Technical to be played on Saturday 16th September. The Mainland Football federation's cup competition is their next conquest, as they aim to add the this years already very successful season.