Otago Daily Times
Fleming paves way to final for Tech
By Rab Smith
Rodney Fleming laced in a superb 37th-minute goal to break the deadlock and set up Dunedin technical’s 2-0 win over Ngaruawahia in the Chatham Cup semi-final at the Caledonian ground yesterday.
In difficult, windy conditions, Ngaruawahia justified its cup run, refusing to let Technical settle. However it was a well-executed 75th-minute goal by Graham Marshall that ebed coach Geoff Coulshed’s giant-killing run.
So, after three consecutive semifinals, Technical emerges as the first Otago club since 1981 to reach a Chatham Cup final. After a battling 3-1 win over Metro, Central with be Technical’s final opponent at Albany Stadium, Auckland, on September 19.
Ngaruawahia coach Coulshed acknowledged Technical’s triumph, saying “There was no doubt the best team won.”
Technical’s Roger Brooks praised his side’s disciplined performance against the feisty northern team in such a blustery wind.
Rarely in recent times has the Caledonian Ground been bedecked by assorted flags, green Ngaruawahia wigs, painted maroon and white faces, klaxon horns and a raucus crowd of more than 600 fans.
The 10-odd Ngaruawahia fans won early vocal exchanges as Aaron Kingi marshalled a tight defence in front of Simon Eaddy, who had an excellent game in goal, and the northern side charged forward with the wind.
A heart-stopping error by Technical ‘keeper Rod Renfrew spilled the ball for Nicolai Helwig to shoot over Technical’s crossbar in the 22nd minute.
Centreback Kingi then showed springheeled agility to powerfully head a couple of corners narrowly over Technical’s crossbar.
But in the teeth of a strong southerly, it was Jeremy Seales – playing his first match at centreback for some time – who steadied Technical and inspired increasingly confidence performances from Nick Longley, Alex Chiet and the wing-backs, Jon Harahap and Aaron McFarland.
While many freezing Dunedin fans would have settled for a 0-0 score at half-time, Technical constructed a fine passing move that led to Fleming scoring.
Harahap showed pace on the left wing as he passed with Ian Bell before cutting the ball back to Fleming. The striker – who passed a late fitness test for an Achilles tendon problem – had his first shot blocked but showed top technique to volley his second shot past a despairing dive by Eaddy.
Kingi, who left the field with a head injury, was replaced by Robert Edwards, but Ngaruawahia never regained its earlier penetration. Technical should have scored another couple, as Marshall drew a couple of fine saves and actually stabbed one of the ‘keeper’s rare mistakes into Ngaruawahia’s net – but referee Warwick Potter disallowed the goal.
Marshall’s 75th-minute goal was s plendid break of sustained pace and, despite Eaddy’s intimidating form and challenges from a recovering defender, the big striker hit a crisp shot to earn his 11th cup goal this season.