The Evening Post

17 AUG 1998 ,    Edition 3,    Page 19.

Giant-killers cut down

Rodney Fleming scored a superb 37th minute goal to set up Dunedin Technical’s 2-0 win over Ngaruawahia in the Chatham Cup soccer semi-final in Dunedin yesterday.

In difficult, windy conditions, Ngaruawahia justified its magnificent cup run by relentless, hard running, and refused to let Technical settle.

However, eventually a well executed 75th minute goal by Graham Marshall ended coach Geoff Coulshed team’s giant-killing run.

Technical is the first Otago team since 1981 to reach the cup final.

It will meet Central in the final at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on September 19. Central beat Metro 3-1 yesterday in the other semi-final.

The 80-odd Ngaruawahia fans in attendance 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 players charged forward with the wind at their backs.

The visitors had three attempts go narrowly over Technical’s crossbar, but in the teeth of a strong southerly Technical constructed a fine passing move that led to Fleming scoring.

Marshall’s 75th minute goal was a result of his sustained pace, and the big striker hit a crisp shot to earn his 11th cup goal this season.