Women's firsts reach quarter-finals

The women's first team are one of the final eight teams left in the New Zealand Women's Knockout Cup competition after a 4-0 win over Papakura City FC at McClennan Park Stadium on Sunday. 

First half goals to mother-daughter combination Rose and Nicole Kraakman along with second half strikes to Nicola Birch and Olivia Willetts secured the Maroons' spot in the women's cup equivalent of the men's Chatham Cup competition.

Sunday's match, played in the pouring rain for the most part, saw the Maroons take the opening half hour to to adjust to the conditions and their opposition, but after that the Maroons dominated possession, used the ball intelligently and looked likely to score every time the ball entered the final third.

Their first goal came via a superb take, turn and driven finish from Rose inside the Papakura penalty area after Hayley Smith had drawn two defenders before squaring into the box.

The second came direct from a Nicole Kraakman free-kick, after good work down the right flank from debutant Hannah Kraakman, when the Maroons' left winger sent a dangerous ball into the area with pace that wasn't dealt with and it rippled the net just inside the left hand upright.

The Maroons went up a gear in the second spell and were again sharp in working the ball across and down the field to create chances.

The third goal was a perfect illustration of that when Sarah Holmes released Hannah wide on the right who crossed to an unmarked Nikki who knocked it home at the second attempt.

The final goal came via youngster Olivia who buried her chance after being played in by Rose.

Player of the day honours went to 13-year-old right winger Hannah Kraakman making her first official appearance for the women's first team.

The girls' quarter-final opponents will be known when the draw is made following several matches to be played over the next week with a chance to come up against the likes of Lotto NRFL Women's Premier League sides Lynn-Avon Utd AFC, Glenfield Rovers or Hamilton's Claudelands Rovers.

The team's next game is a league clash with Manurewa AFC at Memorial Park on Sunday. Kickoff 11am.

Details:

Pukekohe AFC 4-0 Papakura City FC (half: 2-0)
PUK: Rose Kraakman, Nicole Kraakman, Nicola Birch, Olivia Willetts

Pukekohe AFC: Catriona Bennett, Tania Shaw (Kelly Wisnewski 55'), Lana Morris, Donna Withers (Nicole Fricker 70'), Hannah Kraakman, Hayley Smith, Leanne Dodd (capt), Sarah Holmes, Nicole Kraakman (Olivia Willetts 65'), Nicola Birch, Rose Kraakman.