Super Melville have notched a stirring away victory in beating Auckland FC Reserves on penalties in the second round of the Chatham Cup, despite being reduced to 10 men for all of extra time and needing keeper Max Tommy to play through while badly injured.

Melville eventually won 6-5 on penalties after the game had been locked at 1-1 on a ghastly artificial turf surface at North Harbour Stadium.

It was Melville's first penalty shootout win in the cup since 2002 and partially slayed the ghosts of having lost the 2023 cup final 4-2 on penalties to Christchurch United - also at North Harbour.

This was the first cup outing for newly-minted Auckland FC, better known for their first team winning the A-league's Premier's Plate a few weeks ago, but they again fell short in knockout football (though were understrength).

It was gutsy stuff as Melville survived all of extra time with 10 men after Jama Boss was red-carded in the 90th minute, supposedly for head-butting. Boss steadfastly protests his innocence and coach Jarrod Young is examining appeal options.

Melville were also hindered by Tommy left hobbling badly on one leg after jarring his knee in a first-half 50-50 challenge and there being no replacement keeper on the bench.

Tommy was in such bad shape that after one penalty shootout dive he required lengthy physio treatment. He was not his usual self at shootout time and the win came from an Auckland kick hitting the bar rather than him saving.

"Max was almost in tears after the injury, but knew he just had to get through it for the team," Young said.

"The Port (Auckland hardcore fans) were going crazy behind the goal during the penalties and throwing a bit of mostly good-natured shit but our young players soaked it up."

Melville's teen crew of Tomas Blackhall, Max Gurnick and Caleb Woodford all converted spot kicks with style, along with the more senior Robbie McNicholas, John Oakman and Connor Austin.

Earlier Melville started brightly and pressed aggressively in the first 20 minutes, several times catching Auckland by surprise.

Melville took a 12th minute lead when Joel McMullan got his head to a free kick, though the referee later credited the goal as being an own goal from Auckland skipper Everton O'Leary.

At half time Young clearly instructed his team not to make any pass backs to Tommy, given his condition. But three minutes in a back pass duly came and Tommy could only clear the ball to Auckland's Jacob Woolford, who equalised.

Melville faded in the second half, and as their fitness dropped off they sat in a block and mostly nullified clearcut chances.

For Melville McNicholas was immense at centre back in returning after three weeks out with a groin injury while McMullan and Campbell Brown were also strong. And behind them  the injured Tommy was staunch.

Auckland featured Melville academy products Matt D'Hotman (in the starting lineup) and Carlos Ranui (off the bench in the 64th minute).

Meanwhile New Zealand's other A-League club, Wellington Phoenix, was also dumped out of the cup in losing 1-3 to Napier City Rovers.

Melville are away to Wanderers in the northern league on Saturday June 7, 5.30pm.

Article added: Tuesday 03 June 2025