Cup dream over, basics now
The Chatham Cup dream is over for Mt Albert Ponsonby AFC but there’s no time to dwell on it.
MAP were blown away by Oratia United at Parrs Park on May 31 after being level 0-0 at the break.
Oratia showed their class with three second-half goals to Hayden Pett, Andrew Kapteyn and Mark Withers to take the match 3-0.
MAP co-coach Brian Stanyer says he’s keen to move on quickly as his side prepares to face Mangere United in their NRFL division one match on June 5.
Sitting in ninth position, a slump at this stage of the season could see the club slip dangerously.
‘‘Obviously we’re disappointed [with the Chatham Cup loss] but we’ve really got to concentrate on the league and avoid the relegation zone,’’ he says.
MAP also lost the Allan Smallman Trophy to Oratia – which hasn’t been contested in more than five years since both clubs have played in different leagues.
Smallman was a well-liked character who managed both teams, Stanyer says.
It’s been an unsettled year for MAP, with Stanyer and Paul Colgate taking the coaching reigns after Nick Snedden resigned six weeks ago.
‘‘We’ve been a bit of a band aid,’’ Stanyer says. ‘‘The players have been brilliant.’’
In the big Chatham Cup match on May 31 Central United were too good Glenfield, winning 3-0 Kiwitea Street.
Mario Ilich, Finn Cochran and Vincent Pineau all scored for the home team to see them march into the next round.
In the women’s ASB Knockout Cup, Three Kings’ match with Forrest Hill Milford has been postponed. for at