Football: Kaitaia shows skill under pressure

GOOD KICK: Central Brown's Matt Ovenden have a whack at the ball. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Kaitaia Justa Plumber and Central Brown NM1 were inseparable at the end of regulation time in round one of the Stafford Choat competition, with Kaitaia eventually winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

Week one of the Stafford Choat football competition produced a mixture of results, along with a fair number of defaults.

The first round of the Northland knockout cup saw Madhatters Green, Madhatters Blue, Tikipunga Orange, FC Whangarei NM3, Tikipunga Coastline, Kaitaia Justa Plumber, and Kerikeri Masters all pick up wins.

Also progressing thanks to defaults on Saturday was Central Brown NM3 and Northern Wairoa NM2.

Madhatters Green picked up a 4-1 win over Kerikeri Pioneer Reserves while clubmates Madhatters Blue beat out fellow clubmates Madhatters Red 5-4.

Tikipunga Orange proved too strong for Onerahi as they won 4-0, as clubmates Tikipunga Coastline beat out FC Whangarei NM1 3-2. However, FC Whangarei NM3 ran away winners 3-2 against Tikipunga Blue to give the club something to cheer about.

Meanwhile Kerikeri Masters looked as youthful as ever with a 6-1 win against Kaitaia United NM3.

Joining the winning teams from the weekend in the next round are all seven Northland premier teams who had byes for this round. Kamo, being the defending champions of the tournament, will again look for a strong showing because of their special connection with the trophy - named after a Kamo boy who lost his life trying to save other kids who were drowning.

Once the competition reaches the third round, it will involve eight teams while four teams get a bye.

This Saturday, July 12, the Federation One Cup kicks off as knockout football begins to sneak into the sporting calendar.

In the Federation One first round, FC Whangarei will host East Coast Bays Sheehan while Central Brown host Takapuna Boca.

Travelling away are Kamo, Kerikeri, and Tikipunga who will face Glen Eden Rangers, Albany Africans, and Birkenhead Unclean respectively.