Nelson Suburbs has exacted its Chatham Cup revenge.
Suburbs combined its pace and physicality – traits honed in the Southern Premier League – to beat FC Nelson 6-0 at Saxton Field today.
In last year's Chatham Cup, FC Nelson shocked Suburbs 2-1 to progress in the country's largest cup competition and Suburbs' co-coach Neil Connell says they used that as motivation ahead of this game.
"We spoke about it before the game, about our attitudes and mentality going into the game, and that it was something that let us down last time."
Heading into today's game, Suburbs had a number of players missing from the starting lineup due to sickness, injury and players being away, but it didn't slow them down.
The opening goal was scored after 25 minutes when Jay Anderson took a nice touch in the box before finishing past Reza Rahsepar. Suburbs' second was headed in 20 minutes later by Seb Hickman, the first of three goals for the big striker.
In the second half, Suburbs showed the benefits of playing at a higher level each week with its extra match fitness. They were faster on the ball and their press forced several turnovers which led directly to goals, Hickman scoring two more with Lennon Whewell and Brock Cotton also getting on the scoresheet.
Connell says he was impressed by FC Nelson's structure, which made life tough for his team.
"I think they worked tirelessly all day. You know, it took us a wee while to break them down, and that's credit to the way they set up and how they went about their business. The young boys that came on did really well for them."
FC Nelson coach Davor Tavich says there is a big step up from playing in the Nelson Bays Football first division to playing a Southern Premier League team.
"The speed from us has to increase, the decision making has to speed up.
"But I'm excited about this group. This group is a very talented group and I think in two months' time or one month time, we'd be a lot better than we are today."
