The scoring ability of Kerikeri striker Dwayne Beazley could carry the hopes of Northland in this year's Chatham Cup knockout competition.
Senior player Danny Spake has experienced a number of cup campaigns and he believes the current squad has the ability to make a good start when they play Oratiain the first round tomorrow, particularly if the young striker can continue his form near the net.
"Dwayne scored seven goals in one game a few weeks ago and then followed it up the week after with another four. He must be closing in on 20 goals already and the season has just got going."
Spake said the team would need all of its form and a bit of luck as well if it is going to enjoy a good tilt at the country's oldest knockout competition.
"We've done well in the past and the club is strong this year with three senior men's teams, including a wealth of talent coming through," he said.
Oratia are a difficult starting point for Kerikeri, who travel to Parrs Park this weekend knowing the Auckland side will start as favourites. They play in a combined Auckland and Northern Football Federation premier league that is one level down from the Northern League but Spake said they have surprised highly fancied Auckland teams before.
"Our best run was when we almost made it through to the quarter-finals four or five years ago, before we came up against one of the country's top clubs in Waitakere City and copped a significant defeat," he said.
Kaitaia Wayfarer are the other Northland club in contention in this weekend's Chatham Cup first round. They have drawn Northern League Division Two side Hibiscus Coast away at Stanmore Bay in another David and Goliath encounter.
