Athletic finish on a downer

Athletic's Fadi Fouihali just puts his shot too high, facing Red Sox's Michael Hilson, Aaron Coatsworth and Scott Duttrim.

A 3-2 loss at home in front of the club faithful to Red Sox Manawatu was not the way Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic wanted to sign off from the 2016 edition of the Lotto Federation League on Saturday.

Meanwhile the Wanganui City Hammers booked themselves a berth in the in the Charity Cup semi-finals, setting the playoffs series up perfectly for reviving the age-old City versus Athletic rivalry.

It was Athletic who drew first blood against Red Sox with Scott Burney latching onto a well-placed ball before calmly placing it in the back of the net, sending the home side ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock.

The early goal seemed to buoy the Reds, as they set about pinning back the visitors for the next 20 minutes, taking advantage of a rattled back line that were still trying to settle into their own game.

Athletic were unlucky not to be able to capitalise on the sustained period of pressure with Fadi Fourhali coming the closest - as after bursting through the defence with ball at foot, his powerful shot edged just wide of the goal.

Red Sox soon managed to find their feet, and quickly turned the game back in their favour, bringing the scores level initially, before wresting the lead from the home team and forcing Athletic to set themselves back up and trying to chase the game.

It was Ryan Holden who brought Athletic back contention with a well taken free kick sent beyond the keeper, but the 2-2 scoreline was not going to stand for long.

Athletic's flanks were again exposed, allowing the Red Sox to reach out and snatch a result worth celebrating away from the clutches of Athletic.

The disappointment was clear at the final whistle from the home side, who were left to rue their missed opportunities as well as their inability to keep the wide attacking players from exploiting their defensive efforts.

With just the Charity Cup finals series left for the club's premier sides this season, the chance to sit back and take stock of 2016 will be welcome for both the firsts and reserves teams, who begin planning for 2017.

The City Hammers secured their spot in the Charity Cup, shutting out the two other Marist teams who were also hoping to book a semifinal berth, with a dominant 5-3 display against the Marist Bhoys.

The Hammers showed why they have been one of the more dominant sides in the recent history of local league football by managing to hold out a late surge by the Bhoys to ensure their strong scoreline remained in place at the final whistle.

This win along with the two extra marks to the goal difference meant Marist Celtic needed to pluck out a win over the Athletic Cosmos by at least a four goal margin if they were to claim the finals spot for themselves.

But the Cosmos proved to be a side whose experience was able to dampen the Celtic attacks and keep Celtic frustrated in a 2-1 victory, which ensured there was no chance of the Marist side making the semi-finals.

Next weekend will see the semifinals played off between the Wanganui City Wanderers, who comfortably topped Group A, against the Wanganui Athletic first team, while the Hammers will face the Athletic Reserves.

All four teams will fight out for a finals spot and a chance to claim the historic and coveted title of Charity Cup winner.