Wellington United has become the newest name to be etched into the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup, beating Hamilton Wanderers 1-0 this afternoon in the 2021 Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup final at North Harbour Stadium.

In a close encounter, Futsal Fern Sarah Alder proved the difference maker after she steered a header past Wanderers goal keeper Rylee Godbold in the 56th minute to secure the win for United.

While Hamilton Wanderers had their chances, namely through veteran forward Helen Arjomandi (chasing the Cup goalscoring record), composure from United goalkeeper Molly Simon ensured that her side held onto their slim advantage.

The club from the capital become the first Wellington team to lift the Kate Sheppard Cup. Midfielder Emma Main, a former age group international, was named the game’s MVP and winner of the Maia Jackman Trophy after a commanding performance in the Wellington United midfield.

2021 Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup winners: Wellington United

Maia Jackman Trophy winner: Emma Main, Wellington United

Starting XIs

Wellington United

1 GK Molly SIMONS 2 Sophie DIJKSTRA 3 Hope GILCHRIST 4 Zoe BARROTT 6 Francesca GRANGE 8 Emma MAIN 9 Danielle OHLSSON 11 Pepi OLLIVER-BELL 13 Rosie WILD 14 Sarah ALDER 16 Asha STROM

Hamilton Wanderers

1 GK Rylee GODBOLD 3 Lisa EVANS 4 Anna FULLERTON 5 Michaela FOSTER 8 Jordana BREMNER 10 Helen ARJOMANDI 12 Shannon TREBES 16 Tiana HILL 19 Maddison OLLINGTON 20 Chelsea ELLIOTT 21 Caitlin BYRNE

Substitutions

58’ | Anna FULLERTON off, Sarah CARPENTER on (Hamilton Wanderers)
60’| Sophie DIJKSTRA and Zoe BARROTT off, Olive LYNCH-GERRARD and Jemma CATHERWOOD on (Wellington United)
71’ | Caitlin BYRNE off, Kim MAGUIRE on (HW)
73’ | Sarah ALDER off, Véronique BASSO (WU)
83’ | Tiana HILL and Lisa EVANS off, Grace COX and Lily BRAZENDALE on (HW)
85’ | Danielle OHLSSON off, Jemma ROBERTSON on (WU)

Officials

Referee: Lindsey ROBINSON Assistant referee 1: Daniel NEVILLE Assistant referee 2: Allys CLIPSHAM 4th official: Beth RATTRAY

Article added: Sunday 27 March 2022