FHM keep focus on the Cup

Chloe Wilson experienced the highlight of her footballing career last season, but her long-time ally and team mate couldn’t be there to share in the celebrations.

Wilson and her Forrest Hill Milford team won the Women’s Knockout Cup for the first time in 2016, but one familiar face, Chloe Knott, was missing.

Knott splits her time between New Zealand and the United States, playing for Forrest Hill and Georgetown University in Washington DC. Knott joined the university in the 2014-15 academic year and returns to New Zealand for a few months each year to turn out for the local club team she has been a part of for four seasons.

Knott was a key part of Forrest Hill’s nationwide knockout competition campaign last year, but she had to return to America before the final against Glenfield Rovers. However, Knott was part of an historic season with the Georgetown Hoyas. In a ‘‘Cinderella story’’ the team finished third in the country.

Returning to Forrest Hill is a chance for Knott to share her experience with others but also to improve her own game. She is complimentary of the coaching she gets here and the team environment. ‘‘I want to go pro and I go back to America each year really feeling like I have learnt something new,’’ Knott said.

Wilson has been with Forrest Hill since the women’s premier team began five seasons ago and she wants to keep hold of the cup silverware.

‘‘We haven’t had the strongest start in the league, so we are really focussed on the Cup,’’ captain Wilson said.

In the opening round of the Cup, Forrest Hill beat Papakura City 10-0.

Despite being reigning champions, the women think their team is still considered underdogs, due to their young side. ‘‘Young doesn’t mean that they’re not good,’’ Wilson said. ‘‘They’ve stepped up to a whole other level. It’s their first year in the premiership but you wouldn’t know it.’’

In fact three Forrest Hill players Saskia Vosper, Malia Steinmetz and Samantha Tawharu - have been named in the New Zealand squad for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship.

Forrest Hill have been drawn against Central United in the Women’s Knockout Cup at Becroft Park on June 25 kick off at 1pm.

FELICITY REID/FAIRFAX NZ Forrest Hill Milford captain Chloe Wilson, left, with Chloe Knott who splits her playing time between the United States and New Zealand.