Soccer: Wairarapa Utd win Chatham Cup

Scott Robinson of Wairarapa United tackles Josh Stevenson of Napier City during the Chatham Cup Final. Photo / Getty Images

Wairarapa United 2 Napier City Rovers 1

Wairarapa United won the 84th Chatham Cup with a 2-1 win over Napier City Rovers in Palmerston North this afternoon.

A Pita Rabo goal in the 86th minute gave the first-time finalists their maiden Cup victory.

A crowd of more than 3000 people packed in to Memorial Park to watch game, which was the 19th different venue the final had been staged at in its 89-year history.

Wairarapa took the lead in the 24th minute through striker Seule Soromon, after a great cross from right winger Dale Higham, who was dangerous throughout the game.

Soromon was left free at the back post and made no mistake as he guided his header past Hawke's Bay goalkeeper Shaun Peta.

Wairarapa had the better of the first spell, after a feeling out period in the opening 20 minutes.

Napier weren't without their chances, but lacked the polish in the attacking third to really threaten Wairarapa custodian Matt Borren.

Napier fought back in the second spell after Wairarapa captain Adam Cowan missed a penalty and Rovers got on the board through Fergus Neil in the 67th minute.

But after absorbing the pressure, Wairarapa took control in the final twenty minutes before Rabo's goal secured the win.

Wairarapa United 2 (Seule Soromon, Pita Rabo) Napier City Rovers 1 (Fergus Neil). Halftime: 1-0

- APNZ