Melville grafted to a valued 1-0 home win over northern premier leaguers Manurewa under lights at Gower Park to progress into the final 16 of the Chatham Cup, where they will face Auckland United away on July 5.

Flashpoint in the match came in the 63rd minute when centre back Robbie McNicholas - strong all night - surged forward, slipped a ball down the middle to Josh Gallelty, who in turn cleverly rolled it through and into the path of sub Josh Barrymnore-Uden, who advanced and squeezed the ball between the legs of Manurewa keeper. Barrymore-Uden had only been on the pitch five minutes.

The tie was played at a decent clip, though there were few clearcut scoring chances.Ryen Lawrence did hit the post early with a snap shot in the first half, while McNicholas went close with a strong header from a corner in the second spell.

Nathan Marlowe again started in goal for Melville, with Max Tommy sidelined with his right leg strapped in a cast at 30 degrees as he deals with an ACL issue that could have him out for another four weeks. Melville were also without Jama Boss who is still suspended.

Max Tommy with his injured leg and the Melville bench with new blankets

Marlowe made one vital one-handed save as Manurewa pressed hard for a late equaliser.

There were a few curious episodes during an eventful night at Gower. A car windscreen was damaged by an off-target ball in the warm up. And shortly after 6pm council security contractors locked someone in the public toilets at the park, somehow failing to notice a major event was taking place.

To cap it all, Melville had physiotherapist Alex Warrington red-carded in the 86th minute while giving on-field treatment to John Oakman. Opposing players were crowded around Oakman at the time as Warrington sought access. It was the third red card for a Melville bencher this season.

It took Melville's unbreaten run to 11 matches ahead of a home game against Manukau United on Saturday (June 21).

Melville, finalists in 2003, 2019 and 2023, are the final remaining Waikato-Bay of Plenty club left in the cup.

Wanderers lost 2-1 at home to Manukau United, Cambridge were beaten 4-3 away to Fencibles by a 118th minute goal and Tauranga City were beaten 5-2 by Eastern Suburbs.

Article added: Wednesday 18 June 2025