Wakefield create Chatham Cup history

Football's Chatham Cup has provided a major local upset with Wakefield's second division team beating Richmond's first division side in 2-1 in extra time at Jubilee Park today.

The win also created history for Wakefield, its first ever victory in the competition, which it last entered three years ago.

The Chatham Cup sees club teams from around New Zealand playing in a knock-out format until a winner is crowned. Nelson United are the only team from the top of the South Island to win the competition, which is achieved in 1977.

Wakefield coach Hayden Ingham who reckoned he aged "about 120 years" during the match said he was "so proud" of his players.

Wakefield started the game physically, throwing themselves into tackles, showing plenty of desire to win loose ball, but it was Richmond which looked the most likely to score with right back Lee Merrion showing plenty of attacking intent.

As the second half kicked off with the game still goal-less, Richmond was the more assured, and when captain and stand-out player Zac Muir scored on 60 minutes it looked like Richmond might pull away with it.

But Wakefield continued to battle hard and earned a penalty on 75 minutes which was scored by Uruguayan beekeeper Emilio Antūnez.

With the scores tied at full time, the match headed to extra time where Johnny Kawala fired a shot before it was turned in by teammate Ryan Johnson to give the visitors a lead for the first time in the game.

Richmond coach Daryl Fenemor says his squad was decimated through the week with players away and injuries but players from the club's other teams answered an SOS call to help make up the squad.

"We really struggled today to get anywhere near a squad but full credit to Wakefield, it's great for them."

Hayden says the physical start was planned.

"We were like, it's a first division team, so let's just get out there, rattle them a little bit, and then, you know, see where we end up after that.

"We're a bunch of 30 year olds that train once a week and play second division so I'm pretty happy.

"When it comes down to extra time, it's just effort and desire. Everyone's knackered, everyone's shattered. So, it's just who's gonna make that little extra effort. The boys just kept getting up, I'm so proud."

In the region's other Chatham Cup game today, Motueka AFC hosted Rangers from Blenheim. Rangers, last year's Nelson Bays Football first division champions, won the game 6-1.