Kate Sheppard Cup Final Preview

Wellington United vs Western Springs

Sunday, 10 September, 1.00pm

North Harbour Stadium

Tickets on sale now:
https://premiera.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=NZFKSCC23
 

The time has come for the Kate Sheppard Cup champion to be crowned. This Sunday, the Kate Sheppard Cup comes to its conclusion, with Central League runners up Wellington United facing Western Springs, who placed highly in the Lotto NRFL. Both teams have will be taking part in the National League Championship, with Wellington United working in partnership with Captial Football, so today’s North vs Central clash gives a taste of what is to come in the upcoming season.

Wellington United have seen a lot of success in the Kate Sheppard Cup in recent history, with a 2021 finals victory over Hamilton Wanderers seeing them as the most recent champions between the two finalists. Wellington United’s Captain Hope Gilchrist spoke about the importance of the club giving support to its players, fostering a positive environment.

“The club has upped the wrap-around support for the team this year, which has made a noticeable difference but the most important thing from my perspective is that the group’s dynamic has always been a supportive and inclusive one making the team environment an enjoyable place for players to return to over the years.”

She also spoke about the team’s excitement to reach the final while conceding the tough test ahead.

“​​The whole group is stoked to have another chance to play in a Kate Sheppard Cup final, it’ll definitely be a tough game as Western Springs are a good side, playing in a good league. I think the team that can show up with intensity on the day and stay composed enough to exhibit some quality in key moments will win.”
 

Western Springs last win of the Kate Sheppard Cup was in 2007 with a 3-2 over Glenfield Rovers. It will be the team’s first finals appearance since that historic day. Western Springs captain Lily Jervis said that the team holds the 07’ winners in high regard, with the side keen to follow in their footsteps and bring home another cup win.

“The Kate Sheppard Cup has a lot of significance for this group of players and there would be no greater feeling than winning it this year. There are players who we idolised growing up on that 2007 team and are still involved with the squad today. It feels like a full circle moment and one that would hold a lot of meaning for the club.

“Wellington United are an amazing team and we know it is going to be a very tough game. We always speak about those 1%’s and everyone in the squad will need to bring these. It takes a village so that comes from all the players, squad, and club. The community has been amazing this year and we know they will be vocal and loud cheering us on.”
 

 

Players to watch

Wellington United:

Hope Gilchrist

Gilchrist is the captain of Wellington United and she will be one of their players to keep an eye on. Scoring a Crucial winner against Petone in the quarter-finals and contributing heavily to her team’s impressive record of only having conceded one goal all tournament, she will be a player to looking to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Western Springs:

Liz Savage:

Savage has been in excellent form throughout the competition, with four goals so far including two to help to defeat Coastal Spirit in the semi-finals and one against previous holders Auckland United en route to the finals. With a knack for significant goals, keep an eye on Liz Savage going into the most important match of the tournament.

Don’t miss out on this finals clash. Get your tickets or watch online. 

You can watch the match live on the New Zealand Football YouTube channel

Article added: Saturday 09 September 2023