UNITED CRASH OUT OF CHATHAM CUP
Words Dave Webster, WUAFC Media
Wellington United may be the third oldest club in New Zealand, but their relationship with one of the oldest football trophies in the country isn't a happy one. This was again enforced on Saturday when they crashed out of the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup in the first round to Capital Premier side Victoria University.
United, who are still looking for their first win off the season, started the game well with birthday boy Melvin Rumere lobbing the keeper after just three minutes. Victoria University who were coming of the back of a victory over Capital Premier leaders, Upper Hutt City, evened up the scores after 23 minutes through Alex Brodie and 10 minutes later took the lead when Cailin Applegate slotted home.
Wellington United came out in the second half and played some nice football, especially from captain Manny Achol and midfielder Owen Smith, but they were unable to maintain the pressure and University Universities Steve Everett scored on a break away in the 58th minute which effectively killed the game off.
United are suffering from a lack of consistency, coach Rapha Christians, has been unable to field the same starting line up all season. However this wasn't an excuse for a game in which the difference was that University took their chances and United didn't.
United will now be fully focused on the Central League and survival in that division which resumes on Saturday when they play host to Western Suburbs
Boyd Wilson Field
Victoria University (2) 3 (Alex Brodie, Cailin Applegate, Trevor Everett)
Wellington United (1) 1 (Melvin Rumere)