Double incentive

Press, 7 October 1987, Page 72

Double incentive

By

GARY BIRKETT

Christchurch will have a double incentive to perform well in the second leg of the Chatham Cup soccer final on Sunday; first to overturn the deficit of four goals against Gisborne and second to impress the All Whites coach, Kevin Fallon, who will be watching the match. Mr Fallon is expected to announce the national squad to face Western Samoa in two Olympic qualifying matches shortly after the cup final. He only sees the Christchurch players twice a year in the league so those on the fringe of the squad could force their way in with a top performance. The Christchurch coach, lan Marshall, has ordered extra training sessions this week to fully motivate his players for the Queen Elizabeth II Park match. ' . After Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Gisborne in the first leg most people are betting

on the northerners taking the cup but Mr Marshall believes his players have the ability to overturn the deficit.

“We have the players to win the cup. Last week was Gisborne’s final but this week it’s our final. I want it to finish with us on the right side of a big score.”

Mr Marshall is not panicking because of the “off day” some of his players had in the Gisborne match, which was watched by 3000 fiercely parochial and noisy Gisborne supporters.

“The crowd could make a big difference. The players have worked hard and earned the support of Canterbury people for this final.”

Gisborne enjoyed a golden patch of form on Sunday and also got the right bounce of the ball when it mattered. Two of the goals it scored were bordering on the “soft” side and if Christchurch can grab a couple of early goals on Sunday it will be

in with a fine chance of levelling the final. If Christchurch wins, 4-0, it will take the final as away goals count double. Should it win, 5-1, extra-time will be needed and if the match is still tied a penalty shoot-out will take place. Mr Marshall said the players started training for this season in early December last year and Were desperately keen to restore their wounded pride after the hefty Gisborne loss.

“We have to put the first leg behind us. We have done wonders this year and it is not over yet,” he said.

The Christchurch club has organised a gala day at the park. The gates will open at 10.30 a.m. and entertainment will include junior matches, an All Stars game featuring media personalities and well known Canterbury sportsmen, novelty field events and a band. The final will kick off at 2 p.m.