Experience of past finals to help both sides in Sunday’s Kate Sheppard Cup

By Jack Sharp

They say you sometimes have to lose a final to know how to win one.

If that’s true, Western Springs will draw on their experience at last year’s grand final of the Women’s National League when they face Wellington United in Sunday’s Kate Sheppard Cup final.

Springs went into their National League final at Mt Smart Stadium with high expectations, playing an Eastern Suburbs side that had been inconsistent.

But Springs never got into the game, and lost the match 4-0 in a one-sided affair.

Against Wellington United, they won’t get second chances.

The Diamonds return to North Harbour Stadium with happy memories of winning the 2021 Kate Sheppard Cup in a delayed final that finally took place in March 2022.

On that occasion, they beat Hamilton Wanderers 1-0 with a proficient performance and a winner scored by futsal international Sarah Alder.

Alder’s goal in this year’s semi-final gave Diamonds a 1-0 win against the fancied Eastern Suburbs but she’ll miss the final as she’s at a NZ Football futsal camp.

Western Springs have had a challenging season, mainly due to off-the-pitch issues at the club.

From all accounts, that brought the team closer and has enabled the side to finish their winter season strongly.

Player to watch

Western Springs’ striker Sofia Garcia (25) has been a prolific goalscorer since joining the club from the United States in time for the 2022 season.

She was a member of the side that finished runners-up in the Women’s National League, and she has a taste for scoring in the Kate Sheppard Cup.

Garcia put five goals past Rotorua side Lakes in the second round, and scored two late goals to help Springs get past Fencibles United 3-1 in the quarter-final.

Bold prediction

Cup finals favour those who can handle the nerves, especially early in the match.

Wellington United have the advantage of having won a Kate Sheppard Cup on the same pitch, with many of the same players, only last year.

Western Springs appeared overawed by the occasion when they lost the National League grand final to Eastern Suburbs last season — a useful lesson for them.

Ultimately, the cup will go to whichever side handles the pressure and takes their chances.

It could go either way … so I’m predicting a final that will go to extra time, and test the fitness of both sides.

Jack Sharp

Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football.

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