Technical makes final — and history
DUNEDIN Technical is heading to club football’s biggest stage.
Its premier women’s side has won its way to the Kate Sheppard Cup final with a 42 victory over Wellington United in Wellington on Saturday.
It went behind early, but took the lead before halftime and while Wellington drew equal, two secondhalf goals got Tech over the line.
The win is the first time a Football South team has made the final of the national women’s knockout cup.
‘‘It’s a bit surreal really,’’ coach Graeme Smaill said.
‘‘The girls are absolutely thrilled; it’s probably the most excited I’ve ever seen them.
‘‘They’ve been excited before, but they’re pretty excited that in in two weeks’ time they get the chance to play in the final.
‘‘I don’t think it’s sunk in yet really.’’
After taking 10 minutes to get into the game, Tech gained control, although conceded an ‘‘unfortunate’’ goal in the 16th minute.
Goal keeper Jade Middleditch had made a save, but gloved it to Danielle Ohlsson, who put the host one up.
However, Tech hit back almost immediately as Lara Wall drove to the byline and allowed Emily Morison to score her first.
Chelsea Whittaker added a second in the 38th minute, being set up by Morison to give Tech the lead.
After halftime, Wellington ran through the Tech defence from the kickoff for Suzanne Giesen to equalise.
At that point Wellington took back control and the Tech defence was forced to scramble for the next 15 minutes.
Wellington was particularly dangerous on the counterattack. However, Tech ensured the host did no further damage.
Tech then regained dominance, beginning to play with width and causing havoc down the flanks.
Lara Wall made that count in the 75th minute, as she was delivered a ball from Mikayla Gray to give Tech a 32 lead.
Ten minutes later, Gray was again the playmaker as Morison slotted her second.
Keeping composure after losing control at 22 had been key, Smaill said.
‘‘We’ve always said, and we said it again before the game, if teams score against us and we go behind, we’re not going to panic.
‘‘We feel, this year in particular, . . . we’ve got that capability of scoring goals.’’
Tech will play Forest Hill Milford in the final on September 9.
A In the men’s Southern Football League, Queenstown FC claimed its best result of the season with a 53 win over Ferrymead Bays in Christchurch.
Jan Kumar scored a hattrick and Adam Hewson added two goals for Queenstown, which claimed its third win to finish the season on nine points in fifth place.