The Chatham Cup finals will conclude on Sunday with a clash between Christchurch United and Melville United. In the build up to a 100 years of the Chatham Cup, we spoke to Christchurch United Captain Matthew Tod Smith on what a finals appearance means to the club, Christchurch were last in the Chatham Cup final was 1991. 

1. How does it feel to make it to the Chatham Cup final? 

It’s a great feeling and as a club we’re really proud of our achievement. In saying that all of us know that the job’s not finished yet and we need to make the most of the opportunity we’ve given ourselves.

2. When did you start to believe a deep run into the cup may be on the cards?

It was mentioned at the start of the season when we set our goals as a team, you obviously want to have a go at winning every competition you’re involved in and the Chatham Cup was no different. Once we progressed to the stages where we were playing opposition from outside of the South Island was probably when the hype about going deep into the competition started to build amongst the boys. 

3. Favorite cup run moment so far?

Winning the semi-final in front of a big home crowd in Christchurch was a great day for the club and probably our favourite part of the run so far. 

 

4. United hasn't made the final since 1991 and a win in the final would see United go joint top as the most successful club in the competition. What would that mean for the club?

After the success of winning the Southern League a couple of years in a row now and being back in the National League, I think adding a Chatham Cup win would be another sign that the club is moving in an exciting direction. There’s lots that goes on behind the scenes at our club so any achievement we have is massive for everyone at the club and a reward for everyone’s hard work. 

5. As dominant winners of the southern league do you feel that you are seen as the slight favorites over Melville? 

We’re pleased with our performances locally this year but we know Melville have been playing week in week out in a league that is often the strongest competition in the country so I wouldn’t say we’re favourites. They’ve managed to get the better of us in the last couple of meetings between the sides as well but anything can happen in a final. 

6. With Melville in mind, what do you think the key to winning against them will be, come finals day?

The key for us will be just making sure we do the same things that have taken us this far. I think if we get those things right we’ll give ourselves a good chance of being successful on the day.

The Chatham Cup finals kicks off at 4pm.

Sunday Septermber 10, at North Harbour Stadium

Get your tickets here:

https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=NZFKSCC23

Article added: Wednesday 06 September 2023