Who can resist the story of a fairy tale cup run?

This weekend saw Round 1 of the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup being played across the country and could be the start to the sort of famed cup run the history books are filled with.

Greenhithe Catimba, a social team who formed back in 2012 that have played their way through the grades to be competing in the AFF/NFF Conference, were drawn against Manurewa of the NRFL Division 1 after coming through the preliminary round in a tough playoff versus Kerikeri.

The match started with Greenhithe playing a bit differently than normal due to player availability as well as a lack of knowledge of the opposition. Manurewa took an early lead which forced Greenhithe coach Fernando Caraballo to change back to their usual formation. This brought an instant and significant improvement in their performance.

A 20th-minute equaliser from Augustin Saint-Germes galvanised Catimba and evened up the match. And then a last-minute piece 22 yard magic from Matias Miranda sent both the team and players into dream land.

Speaking about the result, Greenhithe Catimba manager Marcelo Eichelberger is dreaming of writing Catimba’s name into the history books.

“Since 2012 when Fernando, Goro and I started Catimba, we have had a goal to play in the Chatham Cup. We passed this dream through to the players and supporters of Catimba, and now have not only achieved the goal but are progressing through the rounds – it’s an amazing feeling.”

Post-match, Eichelberger said the changing room was a mix of joy, tears, pain and a tremendous feeling of excitement.

“Joy for the win, tears for the emotion of a last-minute goal and the pain of several injured players playing to the absolute limit for the excitement of what is coming next,” he said.

“We understand we didn’t play well for the whole game, but in parts we were the better team and, at the end of the day we managed to get the winning goal and go through in the competition.”

Beyond the results on the field, what makes Eichelberger prouder is the bonding of the team, the club and the community around them.

“On the weekend we had former Catimba players who now play for different clubs, people from other senior Greenhithe teams and others who have been part of our community for years on the sideline supporting and cheering for us,” he said.

“We must be doing something right if these people keep coming back to be part of the club. And that is what keeps us moving and trying to do more for our club.”

The draw for Round 2 of the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup will take place on Tuesday the 15^th of May. Follow @NZ_Football for live updates of the draw from midday.

For full ISPS Handa Chatham Cup results visit: nzfootball.co.nz

Other NFF team results from Round 1:

Glen Eden Rangers 0
Bucklands Beach 3 (Lucas Stead, Kieran McKenzie, Isaac Harraway)
HT: 0-1

HNK Auckland 0
Waitemata 2 (Jonathan Aalbers, John Hight)
HT: 0-1

Greenhithe Catimba 2 (Augustin Saint-Germes, Matias Miranda)
Manurewa 1 (Troy Christophers)
HT: 1-1

University-Mt Wellington 3 (Sean Patterson, Joseph Minto, James Basnett)
Oratia United 3
AET, HT: 1-1, FT: 3-3
University-Mt Wellington win 4-2 on penalties

North Shore United 4 (Mac Ford, Jimmy Atkinson, Conor Felstead, Sean McManamon)
Papakura City 1 (Rajnesh Sharma)
HT: 3-0

Onehunga Mangere United 2 (Own goal, Lewis Annable)
Hibiscus Coast 4 (Connor Pearson, Peter Benjamin, Julian Stevenson, Ben Jones)
HT: 0-2

Forrest Hill Milford 6 (David Brown 2, Scott Campbell, Sean Crombie, Jacob Matthews, Ryan Morrow)
Internationale 0
HT: 2-0

Mt Albert Ponsonby 8 (Bradley Rathbun 2, Stewart Mackay, Magi Maj Manresa 2, Lewis Black 2, Thomas Konusi)
Navy 0
HT: 3-0

Te Atatu 4 (Ryan Sabich, Rhys Caples, Colin Bourke, Andrew Dalton)
Metro 7 (Stu Roberts 2, Josh Dayal 2, Ben Hughes 2, Jonathan Workman)
AET, HT: 1-1, FT: 3-3

Albany United 11 (Andrew Mobberley 4, Herve Kadiya 3, Marc Porter 2, Jack Hadfield, Luke Burmah)
Warkworth 2 (Jorge Ponce, Rob Carty)
HT: 6-0

Onerahi 2 (Mike De Vetter, Joel Murray)
Takapuna 6 (Tommy Miller 4, Ben Allan, Jack Taylor)
HT: 0-4