Men’s Federation Cup – Grand Final

Heavy Equipment Gisborne United have been crowned Men’s Federation Cup Champions for 2022 in front of their home crowd after winning a dramatic penalty shootout over Turbine Residential North End AFC at Harry Barker Reserve in Gisborne. North End looked in control of the match early after taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Thomas Bell and Olly Ceci but United struck back just before half time when Joshua Adams hit the back of the net. Then after 66 minutes the game was all locked up at 2-2 as Stuart Cranswick got United back of level terms before Patrick Smither scored for North End in the 77^th minute to give the away side the late advantage. United never gave in and got their reward just before full time when Kieran Higham sent the match to extra time but with no more goals in the bonus 30 minutes the game headed to a penalty shootout. North End unfortunately missed three of their first four penalties as United got off to a bad start by missing their first but then they converted the next three to lift the Federation Cup and erase the heart break from 2019 where they finished Runners Up.

This weekend in Poiwhana Tairawhiti,

1^st Class Decorators Wainui Sharks hosted Gisborne Thistle Youth in the semi final of the Bailey Cup, Wainui’s last game was a 10-man victory over newly crowned Federation Cup Champions Heavy Equipment United Prems and they brought their good form into this one, comfortably getting past the young Jags 5-0.

In the Chris Moore Cup quarter finals, Tatapouri Bohemians needed the help of an unfortunate own goal to overcome QRS Wairoa 3-4 after travelling down the coast. Ryan O’Sullivan, Hira Campbell and Johnny Hardie getting on the scoresheet for Wairoa. At Wainui, Coates Associates Wainui Demons are on track for the double as they edged out clubmates Sunshine Brewery Wainui Salty dogs 1-0.

In Eastern League 3, Smash Palace Shockers beat Heavy equipment United 3rds 1-4 to finish the season with a win and head to the semi finals of the Poverty Bay Cup with some good form. At Childers Road Reserve, Tumu Thistle hosted a Ngatapa Silkies home game and emerged victorious with 3 points and as Emerre and Hathaway Cup Winners. 0-3

Article added: Tuesday 06 September 2022