It was a day of differing fortunes for Nelson Suburbs on Queens Birthday Monday with its men's side advancing to the next round of the Chatham Cup, while its top women's team crashed out of the equivalent Kate Sheppard Cup.
At Saxton Field, Suburbs' women's side welcomed Coastal Spirit from Christchurch, which was a semi-finalist in the last edition of the national knock-out cup in 2021, and heavy favourites to advance to the next round.
Coastal dominated possession and territory in the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised defensive-effort from the hosts.
Suburbs' back four all had moments of brilliance, Geena Horne, in particular. She twice slid in to disposes Coastal strikers as they were bearing down on goal, while Amelia Abbott, Holly Watson and Anna McPhie were all excellent.
But as well as their defence performed, their attack did not. Defender-turned-striker Ellie Kershaw was often isolated up front and – despite her best efforts – was unable to get the better of Coastal's strong defensive line. When Suburbs did gain possession they often failed to deliver the final pass or lost possession moving forward.
The second half was a more open affair with Suburbs having moments to shine. Ruby Smith, moving from right-back to striker, had several sublime touches and a very good shot that was a fraction over the bar.
At the back, goalkeeper Georgia Williams was on top form, making several stunning saves to keep her side in the contest. Finally, in the 52nd minute, the visitors broke through with a well-placed shot inside the left-upright from Mel Cameron. It was a deserved lead but that it came from distance showed how well the Suburbs defence played.
Nine minutes later Coastal doubled their lead with a long-range effort from Whitney Hepburn that sailed into the top-right corner of the goal, killing off the game.
Suburbs coach Matt Watkinson says he was delighted with his side's effort.
"I thought it was a stupendous effort, defensively. To be nil-all at half time was a tremendous effort and we didn't really give up too many chances in the first half.
"I'm really proud of the girls for how they battled and stuck to the game-plan, I'm really happy. To finish 2-0 against one of the country's top four teams is an achievement for us and hopefully sends a statement that we're capable of competing at that level."
Chatham Cup - Suburbs v FC Nelson
Meanwhile, across town, Suburbs top men's side were taking on FC Nelson at Victory Square in the Chatham Cup.
Suburbs are the region's top club side, playing in the Southern Premier League, while FC Nelson plays in the Nelson Bays Football first division and it didn't take long for the difference in quality to show.
Suburbs' Josh Cresswell scored in the second minute of the game before going on to score three more in his side's 6-0 rout.
Ben Polak and Jack Carter were the other two Suburbs players to get on the score sheet, both scoring in the first half to help their side to a 4-0 lead at half time.
