Top sides through Chatham Cup preliminary round

goal continued at WaiBOP Championship side, Tokoroa, as Cambridge took control in the second half to win 4-1. The match was level at the break thanks to goals from Cambridge captain, Patrick Woodlock, and Tokoroa’s Connor Wood, but the visitors expressed the difference in quality in the second half. Latham scored twice and was joined on the score sheet by Sam Garmonsway.

Taupo won 4-1 at home to Otumoetai in a match that seemed almost a replica of the one just up State Highway 1. The sides traded first half goals, before Taupo ran away with it in the second half.

In the third WaiBOP derby of the weekend, Loaded WaiBOP Premiership leaders, Waikato Unicol, picked off Tauranga Old Blues 3-0 at home in a repeat of the previous weekend’s league fixture. Beaten 5-0 a week ago, Old Blues did at least show signs of improvement, but Luke Goodwin’s double and a further goal to Gavin Clark put paid to any hopes of an upset.

The match of the round was undoubtedly at the Matamata Domain where the Swifts needed extra-time to defeat Aucklandbased Internationale FC 5-4.

Matamata led 2-0 inside 15 minutes thanks to an own goal and a long ranger from Scott Parsonage, but the visitors struck twice from set-pieces to see the game level at the break. The Swifts hit the woodwork twice before Internationale took the lead and looked like holding on, until Sam Masterson’s 89th minute equaliser. Chris Walker and debutant, Radge Avergonzado pushed Matamata’s margin to two, before the visitors grabbed their fourth midway through the second period of extra time.

Sunday’s games weren’t so productive for WaiBOP teams, with both Te Awamutu and Rotorua United losing to Auckland opposition.

Te Awamutu’s trip to Auckland Wanderers ended in a 3-1 defeat, while Rotorua fell 2-1 at home to South Auckland Rangers.

West Hamilton United were to host HNK from Auckland on Anzac Day in the final preliminary round match.