Eastern Suburbs have secured the last quarter-final berth in this year’s Chatham Cup after beating Birkenhead United 2-0 in a rescheduled fourth-round tie.
Playing under midweek lights at Birkenhead’s Shepherds Park, Suburbs scored twice in the second half to earn themselves a visit to Waiheke United for a quarter-final.
The first half was scoreless with no clear chances to score though Birkenhead felt aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty midway through the half.
In the second spell, the rain and slippery surface tested both teams.
But in the 69th minute, Suburbs broke through with a goal from Jake Mechell that may have been a cross or shot.
70’ GOAAAAAAALLLL!!
Jake Mechell with a shot-cross unreal jammy jammy strike@BUAFC_NZ 0️⃣ vs @ESAFC 1️⃣#lilywhites @NZ_Football #ChathamCup pic.twitter.com/oEhOKTEe3V
— Eastern Suburbs AFC (@ESAFC) July 20, 2022
In typical cup tie fashion, the remainder of the game was frantic but Suburbs made sure of the win when substitute Rayhan Carlson-du Toit scored his side’s second goal, four minutes into added time.
The Suburbs players were overjoyed; Carlson-du Toit collected a booking for the manner of his celebration.
Meanwhile, the teams will get to do it again on Saturday — they meet at Madills Farm (3pm) for their Northern League fixture.
Main photo: Suburbs’ Jake Mechell … opened the scoring. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Result
Game played on Wednesday July 20, 2022
Birkenhead United 0
Eastern Suburbs 2 (Jake Mechell 69′, Rayhan Carlson-du Toit 90+4′)
Quarter-finals draw
Games to be played over weekend of July 30-31
Dunedin City Royals v Auckland City
Miramar Rangers v Hamilton Wanderers
Wellington Olympic v Cashmere Technical
Waiheke United v Eastern Suburbs
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