Late goal adds Kate Sheppard Cup to Auckland United’s trophy cabinet

A stunning late goal from leading scorer Charlotte Roche has won the Kate Sheppard Cup for Auckland United, and completed a trophy treble.

The cup final at Albany’s North Harbour Stadium seemed to be heading for extra time when Roche got the ball outside the Western Springs penalty area, rifling it home to give her side a 1-0 victory.

Auckland United have beaten Springs 1-0 on three occasions this year, with the winners all being scored by Roche.

The goal was worthy of a final in which United always looked the most likely to win but Western Springs worked hard throughout to disrupt their opponents and stay in the contest.

A swirling wind at the stadium was not always conducive to stylish football but the sides got on with the game best they could.

The first chance of the game fell to Roche in the 8th minute when a mix-up in the Springs defence gifted her possession.

Possibly unaware she had time and space, Roche snatched at the shot, sending it over the bar.

That was the best chance of a messy first half.

Seven minutes into the second spell, Roche again for a chance but shot wide.

United’s next best opportunity was when midfielder Rene Wasi toe-poked a shot wide of the Springs goal.

As game officials signalled there would be at least 11 minutes of stoppage time, Roche stepped up for her match-winning moment, smashing the ball into the net.

The goal prompted Springs to throw everything at United, playing their best football as the clock ran down.

Liz Savage got on the end of a corner, bustling the ball across the line but referee Sarah Jones had already whistled for a foul on goalkeeper Hannah Mitchell.

Eight minutes into added time, Springs almost levelled when a free kick cannoned off the cross bar, and midfielder Rebecca Burrows headed the rebound onto the bar.

A relieved United cleared the ball and ran down the clock to add the cup to the OFC Champions League title and the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership already secured this season.

Their next mission is to defend their Women’s National League title when that competition gets underway in late September.

Charlotte Roche wins Maia Jackman Trophy

Auckland United’s Charlotte Roche was awarded the Maia Jackman Trophy for her Player of the Match performance in the final.

Result

Game played on Saturday September 7, 2024

Kate Sheppard Cup

Final

Western Springs 0
Auckland United 1 (Charlotte Roche 90′)

Line ups

Western Springs

Amberley Hollis, Charli Dunn, Tiana Hill, Alosi Bloomfield, Kitty Jacob (Jaedeci Uluvili 88′), Maia Lythe (Anya Stephan, 52′), Liz Savage, Rina Hirano, Arisa Takeda, Megan Lee (Ava Lewis 62′), Rebecca Burrows.

Subs not used: Angelique Tuisamoa, Cleo Carmichael, Amanda Everett, Sydney Sparks.

Auckland United

Hannah Mitchell, Talisha Green, Greer Macintosh, Chelsea Elliott, Chloe Knott (Alaina Granger 90+8′), Danielle Canham (Estelle Harrison 65′), Charlotte Roche, Rene Wasi, Alexis Cook, Yume Harashima, Saskia Vosper.

Subs not used: Jess Philpot, Penny Brill, Kate McConnell, Poppy O’Brien, Holly Rennell.

Officials

Referee: Sarah Jones
Assistant referees: Courtney Bremner, Grace Teah
Fourth official: Bridget Baker

All the past winners — Kate Sheppard Cup

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