1959 Chatham Cup


The 1959 Chatham Cup was the 32nd annual nationwide knockout football competition in New Zealand.
The competition was run on a regional basis, with regional associations each holding separate qualifying rounds. Teams taking part in the final rounds are known to have included North Shore United, Rangers, Hamilton Wanderers, Eastern Union, Moturoa AFC, Colenso Athletic, Wanganui Athletic, Massey College, Miramar Rangers, Nelson Rangers, Western, Northern, Brigadiers.

The 1959 final

Northern became the first Chatham Cup winners from Otago since Seacliff won the first final in 1923, winning the cup for the first time in their sixth final. Northern goalkeeper Jim Stephenson was playing in his fourth final for the club; he was to play in two more in 1961 and 1962, to become the first player to play in six finals.
The game had a frantic start, with a goal coming for each side in the opening five minutes. Cliff Schmidt turned the ball into his own net to give the lead to Northern after just two minutes. The lead was only to last for some 90 seconds, with Alex Middleton heading the ball into the Dunedin side's net. Goals either side of the half-time interval from Bill Berry and George Little gave Northern a 3–1 lead. Chris Foulkes reduced the deficit late on, but despite strong pressure from the Aucklanders Northern held on to win the match by the odd goal in five.

Results

Quarter-finals (Island semi-finals)

Semi-finals

Final