The new Wānaka FC Southern League team has achieved what many thought impossible, scoring a 3-2 victory over 2024 Southern League champions Cashmere Technical in Wānaka on Saturday (April 12).

The local side held its nerve deep into the second half, breaking a 2-2 deadlock with one minute left to play.

“They are the big fish,” Wānaka FC director of football Ben Sippola said.

“CashTech has lost just five games in the past five years.”

Ben said the loss a week earlier to Dunedin City Royals provided the motivation the team needed going into the clash with Cashmere Technical.

“We had the most disappointing moment we’d had as a team in Dunedin against Dunedin City Royals,” he said.

Wānaka played high quality football in the first half against Cashmere, scoring two unanswered goals before the half time break.

Cashmere was quickly into its work in the second half, scoring within the first minute.

A courageous defensive effort by Wānaka kept Cashmere at bay until the 90th minute when the scores were levelled.

Both sides had opportunities to win the match in added time and Wānaka took its chance with one minute remaining.

“It means a lot to our players to start against CashTech,” Ben said.

“It is a dream come true to beat them.”

After three rounds Wānaka FC is fifth in the 10 team competition and this Friday (April 18) it plays 2024 runners up Coastal Spirit in Christchurch.

Wānaka’s next home match is on ANZAC Day against Selwyn United at the Wānaka Recreation Centre. Kick off is 2pm.

PHOTOS: Wānaka FC