WaiBop Federation League teams Ngongotaha, Whakatane Town and Otumoetai kept their dreams of Chatham Cup glory alive with exciting wins against Northern Football League opposition while for Taupo, Old Blues, Claudelands Rovers and Rotorua United the dream is over for another year.
At Stembridge Rd, Ngongotaha started well against Western Springs but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 30th minute when slack defending gave their striker a free header which gave the keeper no chance. They held the lead at the break but the Villagers continued to play with control and composure. Ten minutes after the restart the home side were awarded a penalty, which captain Isaac Haua coolly converted.
Western Springs threatened on the break but Ngongotaha had the better of the game and a header from Neil Slater gave them a deserved 2-1 lead in the 70th minute. When the final whistle blew, arms were raised in triumph and the home supporters acknowledged their team's performance.
"It was a great team performance," laid back Ngongotaha coach Shane said after the game.
Whakatane Town remain unbeaten at Rex Morpeth Park this season after a nail-biting 3-2 win over Northern Football League side Matamata Swifts. Whakatane stunned the visitors with first half goals to Jay Winter and Wayde Maloney and went 3-0 ahead when Matt Jensen scored early in the second half. With nothing to loose Swifts took the game to Whakatane and were rewarded with two goals to set up a thrilling last 20 minutes. The home team defence held strong to record a 3-2 win.