Women’s Federation Cup Final

Bluewater Stadium in Hawke’s Bay was the setting for the 2024 edition of the Federation Cup Final featuring Eskview Blues from Hawke’s Bay and Takaro X-Force or Manawatu. Eskview’s road to the final saw them go through Moturoa, Whanganui Athletic and a local derby with Port Hill Utd while Takaro won against Western Rangers, Wainui Riverina and New Plymouth Rangers. The first half was evenly contested with Takaro having the better of sustained possession and Eskview looking likely every time they had the ball in the attacking third. Right when it looked like the teams would head to the break even, Jane Barnett popped up in the box for Eskview scoring in added time. Takaro threatened again in the second half but it was Barnett who again scored for Eskview in the 54th minute. The match was a really good final but lost some energy towards the end of the ninety minutes. Two very good sides battling it out but Eskview were deserved winners going one better that their runner up position in 2023. Congratulations to Eskview Blues – Federation Cup Champions 2024. 

Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Blues 2 (Jane Barnett 45+1’, 54’)
Chillmax Takaro X-Force 0

Men’s Federation Cup Final

The 2024 Fed Cup Final saw Shani’s Taradale AFC take on TMT Moturoa in front of a very excitable crowd who braved the wind to support their respective teams.. Taradale made the most of the wind advantage early pinning Moturoa in their own half for long periods. Taradale were rewarded for their efforts when Liam Percy-Fysh was the quickest to react and tap in a shot the was well saved by Moturoa keeper Kieran Bignell in the 10th minute. That goal sparked Moturoa into action and they themselves created numerous chances the best of them looked destined for the top corner if it wasn’t for Taradale shotstopper Graham Healey thwarting the attempt. Moturoa were awarded the chance to equalise when the referee pointed to the spot after a foul in the box. Dean Wilson stepped up and snuck the penalty under the Taradale Keeper to see the score head into the break at 1-1. The second half saw Moturoa peg back Taradale but were unable to break down the Taradale backline and capitalise on the pressure they were building. The game took a turn in the 72nd minute when Thomas Hall headed home at the back post to put Taradale up 2-1. They then added a third 7 minutes later when Percy-Fysh grabbed his second of the day when once again he was the first to react on a corner that was swung in. Moturoa were given the chance to get a goal back when the referee award another penalty and gave Rory O’Mahony his marching order for a second caution of the match. This time keeper Graham Healey was up to the task saving the intial spot kick and the rebound to keep the score at 3-1 at the full time whistle.

Shani’s Taradale AFC – 3 (Liam Percy-Fysh 10’, 79’, Thomas Hall 72’)
TMT Building Ltd Moturoa AFC – 1 (Dean Wilson 21’)

Duchess Cup Semi Finals

The first Duchess Cup semi-final saw another tight contest between the leagues top 2 teams. In a tight contest neither team could be separated after 90 minutes. Extra time saw Masonic Hotel & Bar Waitara SC take the lead in the 103^rd minute and then double their lead 5 minutes later. Withers Coachlines Moturoa AFC were unable to peg the 2 goals back. Waitara take the 2-0 win and advance through to the final next weekend.

Withers Coachlines Moturoa AFC Women – 0
Masonic Hotel & Bar Waitara SC – 2 (Sharnele Murray 103’, Amy Reumers 108’)

The Second semi final saw HEL Rimu NP Rangers Development host Inglewood AFC Womens team. The first half was a goaless affair as neither team managed to trouble the scorers. The second half saw the tight game continue and it looked to be headed to extra time until the last 10 minute when NP Rangers found the back of the net in the 81^st minute. That lead only lasted 4 minutes before Inglewood grabbed an equaliser in the 85^th minutes. With time running down on the clock and the game looking headed for extra time NP Rangers once again found the back of the net and the 2-1 victory to see them through to the final next weekend

HEL Rimu NP Rangers Development – 2 (Gracey Edgcombe 81’, Heidi Johns 89’)
Inglewood AFC Women – 1 (Keira Muir 85’)

Article added: Tuesday 10 September 2024