It's Chatham Cup time for Rotorua United AFC as they look to start a fairytale run in the competition.
The Loaded WaiBOP Premiership team are up against Auckland federation side South Auckland Rangers in the preliminary round of the Northern region games in the ISPS Handa competition at Neil Hunt Park tomorrow. The Chatham Cup has been the centrepiece of the domestic winter football schedule for almost 90 years and United have failed to make it past the opening rounds over the past decade. Last year they were beaten 3-0 in the first round by fellow Premiership team Taupo AFC.
United coach Ian Walker admitted the league competition held more importance but added the cup was still "a big deal" to the club.
"For many, years we haven't done that well in it," he said. "It's important to us and we want to do well. Everyone here at the club regards it as a big deal - I won't be putting out a second team or anything tactical like that."
United go into the game after a solid start in the WaiBOP Premiership with two wins out of their three opening matches, including last weekend's 1-0 win over a strong Otumoetai FC outfit.