Dunedin Technical coach Craig Johnston kept it simple when he assessed his side’s 8-0 thumping at the hands of Coastal Spirit in Saturday’s Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinal at the Logan Park turf.
The Christchurch powerhouse made no race of it, banging in four goals in each half to progress serenely to the semifinals.
Canterbury United and Otago University star Britney-Lee Nicholson helped herself to four for the visiting side.
"They are an incredible team — just way too good for us," Johnston said.
"We were chasing shadows all day, and there’s not much you can do when that happens.
"Their passing game was fantastic. They must be right up there with being favourites to win the cup."
Coastal made the most of a very strong wind behind its back, using long-ball tactics and keeping Technical pinned in its own half.
The Spirit scored two goals from inswinging corners in first half.
Kelsey Kennard and Shontelle Smith battled valiantly for Technical but there was to be no consolation goal for the home team.
The Technical women will return to league action this weekend, needing two wins to seal another championship.
In league games on Saturday, Lauren Murray scored to lead Queenstown to a 1-0 win over the Otago University 1sts, and Mosgiel beat the University 2nds 2-0.
Other Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinal winners were Hamilton Wanderers (3-0 over Ellerslie) and Wellington United (5-1 over Wairarapa United). Eastern Suburbs was awaiting the winner of the delayed third-round game between Western Springs and Northern Rovers.
