https://twitter.com/kiwibardy/status/1121260146175299584

A toddler stormed the pitch deep into stoppage time in Thursday’s ISPS Handa Chatham Cup match between Gisborne Thistle and Havelock North Wanderers.

With the score level at 1-1 at the end of normal time, the young child disrupted the first round fixture by wandering onto the field at the aptly named Childers Road.

https://twitter.com/kiwibardy/status/1121264709338943491

Wanderers were preparing to take a corner when the infant strode into the penalty area to the bemusement of the players.

Fortunately an adult was on hand to remove the errant kid so play could resume.

#Football: Havelock North Wanderers into round two of Chatham Cup after Gisborne Thistle win, via @nzherald https://t.co/kaqdUfwWGd

— Anendra Singh (@AnendraSports) April 25, 2019

A dramatic period of extra time ensued, with Wanderers eventually winning 3-2 to book their place in the second phase of the competition.

The game took place on Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating those who died in war.