Birkenhead United have won the national U-17 men’s tournament after beating Melville United 3-1 in an entertaining championship final at Auckland’s Seddon Fields.
Birkenhead won the Western Springs-hosted tournament after four days of competition and remaining unbeaten in eight fixtures.They retain the title they won last year.
They went ahead seven minutes into the final when Dan Morgan met a header at the far post.
Main photo: United go 1-0 in the final.
Melville responded three minutes later, with a well-taken goal by Isaac Bates.
Late in the half, Nick Petherick put Birkenhead back in front.
Birkenhead stretched their lead to 3-1 in the 27th minute when Jack Gillum headed home from a corner.
Earlier in the day, Auckland City won the Bowl final and Christchurch United won the Plate final.
READ MORE: Our earlier stories from the tournament are here >>>>
Results
Games played on Sunday December 11, 2022
Finals
Championship
Birkenhead United 3
Melville United 1
Play-off for 3rd/4th
Auckland United (won by default)
Lower Hutt City (defaulted)
Bowl
Auckland City 2
Hamilton Wanderers 1
Plate
Christchurch United 3
Bay Olympic 2
READ MORE: Our earlier stories from the tournament are here >>>>
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