Lynn Avon co-coaches Jill and Dene Gilmour will chase a hat-trick of New Zealand Women's Knockout Cup triumphs when they field their soccer team against Christchurch's Western in tomorrow's final.
With the Gilmours in charge, Lynn Avon won in 2005 and 2006. They took a break last year- the team failed to go beyond the quarter-finals and missed out on the league - so they are back chasing a third cup triumph together and an amazing eighth overall for the club.
And, for stalwart defender Terry McCahill, in what may well be her swansong, victory would be especially sweet as she has been a member of every one of those seven winning teams.
"It has been a difficult season," said Jill Gilmour. "At times we have been without our five Olympians but we have been fortunate in being able to blood some younger players, including 13-year-olds Rebecca Burrows and Eloise Morris.
"They played in the wins over Three Kings and Claudelands and, while it is doubtful whether they will play in the final, they are very much part of the team."
Lynn Avon's success, led by captain Kirsty Yallop (and with McCahill taking the reins in her absences) has been built around a solid defensive effort.
In their four cup outings - two at home and two away - they have yet to concede a goal. The games have been close: 1-0 away wins over former cup winner Three Kings and defending cup-holders Western Springs, 2-0 in their quarter-final win over Claudelands and 5-0 over Eastern Suburbs in the semis.
"It is good to be back in the final, especially as we are playing at North Harbour after having to play at other grounds in recent years," said Gilmour.
Western are coached by former international Kelly Jarden, who has plenty of experience to call on, having played for fellow Christchurch club Nomads when they won the inaugural cup final in 1994.
Western too have been miserable in giving up goals en route to the final.
After edging Ferrymead Bays 2-1 first up, they beat Coastal Spirit 2-0, Northern 3-0 and then Wellington's Seatoun 2-1 at home in the semifinals.
The Cantabrians are the first non-Auckland side in the final since Wairarapa United in 2000. It will again be a big ask for the southerners.
