FC Western lose Chatham Cup match

Graeme Cooper

Before a large local crowd, New Plymouth's FC Western acquitted themselves well against a Napier City Rovers side (two tiers higher) before losing 3-0 in the first-round proper of the Chatham Cup. 

The game was very even in the first 45 minutes and it was difficult to tell who was the higher-ranked side. 

Fergus Neil should have given the visitors the lead on 30 minutes with a rasping shot that deflected off the bar. 

From the resulting corner, Isaac Belcher had a shot cleared of the line by Daulet Duisenov. 

A few minutes later, leading scorer Josh Stevenson did find the net with a shot from the edge of the penalty area to give Napier the lead. 

Western had a couple of chances but failed to finish them.

After the break, Napier upped their game feeling the pressure from the New Plymouth team. 

Sam Wall began to run the midfield while Fetuao Belcher was strong at the back. 

Midway through the second half, Stevenson grabbed his second goal, which effectively sealed the victory. 

Eight minutes later it was all over as Stevenson completed his hat-trick after being set up by Luca Barclay. 

Ben Wade and Isaac Belcher had late chances, hitting the woodwork, but had they gone in they would have flattered the visitors. 

For FC Western, Daulet Duisenov and Hamish Carruthers gave good performances in defence while Connor Oliver-Rose tried his best up front without reward. 

Coach Josh Dobson said: “I’m very proud of my players and happy the way we took the game to Napier. 

“I’m disappointed that they scored so close to half-time. It was a couple of errors that led to their other goals which happens when you let more experienced teams in. I’m still pleased with the gutsy performance”.