Chatham Cup Final Preview

Melville United vs Christchurch United

Sunday, 10 September, 4.00pm

North Harbour Stadium

Tickets on sale now:

https://premiera.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=NZFKSCC23
 

After an exciting tournament so far, the centenary edition of the Chatham Cup comes to a close this weekend with Southern League Champions Christchurch United clashing with Melville United in a match to crown the champions of New Zealand's oldest knockout cup in it’s 100th year.

Christchurch United are a club with a rich history in the Chatham Cup, with a total of six titles, equal with Eastern Suburbs and only one behind University Mt Wellington’s seven, most of any team. A win for Christchurch United would not only see the club claim its first Chatham Cup since 1990 but it would also see them go level in the all-time winners list. Outside of the cup, Christchurch have built good momentum this year by winning the Southern League in dominant fashion, showing they currently are one of the strongest teams in the country.

Melville United are yet to win a Chatham Cup in their current form, however they have made a recent run to the final in 2019, where they were defeated 2-3 by eventual champions Napier City Rovers. They also played a final in 2003 where they lost to University Mt Wellington. This year they have shown they can beat anyone, winning important matches against high level opponents to make it back to the final. A first Chatham Cup trophy for the club in its current form would change the history of the club forever but it would also add a string to the bow of one of their longest serving senior players, who is looking to hang up his boots after the final.

Melville United’s captain Aaron Scott spoke ahead of the final on how he is looking forward to the opportunity but also aware that no matter the result, the club can be proud of its run to the final:

“For me personally, it’s a great way to finish my first team career at Melville United no matter what happens. Bowing out on the grandest stage in football in New Zealand and especially with it being the 100th year of the Chatham cup.

“To win for the club I’ve played for since I was 15 would be pretty special! I missed the opportunity to play the final in 2003 in my first year at the club because I had played for my school Hamilton Boy’s in the early rounds and was cup-tied. Then we lost in the final in 2019 which hurt a lot. But personally, I just want to perform well so I can bow out a proud man in one final game “

Christchurch United Captain Matthew Tod Smith acknowledged the team’s strong from in the Southern League but that there will be no underestimating a resilient and strong Melville United team.

“We’re pleased with our performances locally this year but we know Melville have been playing week in week out in a league that is often the strongest competition in the country so I wouldn’t say we’re favourites. They’ve managed to get the better of us in the last couple of meetings between the sides as well but anything can happen in a final.

“Adding a Chatham Cup win would be another sign that the club is moving in an exciting direction. There’s lots that goes on behind the scenes at our club so any achievement we have is massive for everyone at the club and a reward for everyone’s hard work. “

Players to watch

Melville united

Jerson Lagos Giraldo:

Lagos Giraldo is a fantastic player and has come up big for Melville in the quarter-finals and Round of 16. He scored the only goal which sent Melville through against Western Springs before bagging two to help his team comeback to 3-1 against Waterside Karori. He will no doubt be on the lookout to add to his tally on the biggest stage of all.

Christchurch United

Matthew Tod Smith:

The captain will be the player to watch going into the final after showing he is the player for the big occasion consistenly during the run. His decisive goal against Ferrymead Bays in extra time sent Christchurch United through Round 3 and he opened the scoring against Eastern Suburbs in the semi-final with a sublime curling effort to help the team to a 2-1 victory.

Watch the match on the New Zealand Football YouTube channel, embedded above.

Article added: Saturday 09 September 2023