By TERRY MADDAFORD
A late Michael Sands goal gave Christchurch City a spirited 3-2 away success over North Shore United and leaves them as the only non-Auckland club in the last four of the Chatham Cup.
Five-time winners Eastern Suburbs provided the upset of the quarter-finals when they dumped 1999 holders Dunedin Technical 2-1 through a golden goal by Andrew Webber.
In other quarter-finals, Central United sneaked home 1-0 over Napier City Rovers and University Mt Wellington downed Manawatu 2-0.
Christchurch City's only previous cup success came in 1948 when they were called Technical.
They go into the semifinals as the least successful cup side, overshadowed by heavyweights University Mt Wellington and Eastern Suburbs (five wins each) and Central (three).
The southerners, coached by former international Danny Halligan, began strongly, with Sands completing a good build-up with a 13th-minute close-range header.
Had they capitalised on a hesitant Shore effort in the first half, the visitors could have gone further ahead.
But they did grab their second goal early in the second spell, through Ben Hughes.
As City relaxed, Shore picked up their game. They were rewarded in the 55th minute when Steve Callinan netted a good header from a Chris Mooney cross.
The Allen Hill Stadium crowd had more to cheer about in the 78th minute when Julian Sills grabbed the equaliser. His first attempt - a header - hit the post, but he got his foot to the rebound.
Just when they were contemplating extra time and the chance of an upset win, Sands got forward to head home a floating ball for a 3-2 result and a place in the semifinals.
James Patterson gave Uni Mount the lead in the seventh minute at Bill McKinlay Park. A Paul Bunbury penalty eight minutes from time completed the scoring and kept his side in with a chance of a record-equalling sixth triumph.
Napier had the best of the first half at Kiwitea St, but could not score.
Coach Charlie Howe was fuming that referee Derek Rugg refused to award a penalty when striker David Geary was checked by a Central defender. His mood was no better in the second half when Central were awarded a penalty as Brian Hawke, running out of the penalty area, was clipped by Jonathan Taylor.
Miro Major provided his customary finish from the spot for the only goal of the match.
Napier captain Martin Akers had a couple of unsuccessful late chances for the visitors.
Eastern Suburbs, with many old-timers, including members of the victorious 1951 and 1953 teams, on the sideline, battled bravely for their win at Madills Farm.
Webber opened the scoring after 22 minutes.
The southerners got back to 1-1 when, under pressure, Stewart Bola conceded an own goal.
Webber's winner, after having one disallowed, came 10 minutes into extra time.
The draw for the semifinals will be made either today or Saturday.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Sport
Paul Lewis: Poua to the people! Hurricanes haka should be welcomed
OPINION: The Hurricanes women should be saluted and celebrated for sharing their message.