Football: Coast stiff challenge for Ngongotaha

Ngongotaha AFC would reach the Chatham Cup round of 16 with a win away from home against Hibiscus Coast AFC this weekend. Photo/Ben Fraser

Ngongotaha AFC will pile into vans on Saturday morning and head north in search of an upset and safe passage to the round of 16 of the Chatham Cup.

Fourth-placed Northern League First Division club Hibiscus Coast AFC await 40 minutes north of Auckland, boasting a record of seven wins from 11 league matches and 23 goals against eight conceded.

Ngongotaha AFC captain Josh O'Sullivan admitted being largely in the dark about a side coming off a 2-0 win against Mangere United.

"We are trying to get some information, but we don't have a clue about them," he said.

"We hear they have been going pretty well."

O'Sullivan said his side was approaching the contest in a carefree manner.

"We're stoked, it's a great opportunity. They're the favourites so we have nothing to lose."

The concerns come are in defence where injuries - especially at the troublesome right back position - have led to major reshuffling.

"We've been conceding a few soft ones lately, and seem to get run down in the last 20 minutes. It seems like right back is a bit of a cursed position."

The side is the only WaiBOP Federation One club remaining in the Chatham Cup following high scoring shoot-outs in the first two rounds.

An opening 4-3 win in Pukekohe was followed by a 4-2 victory over the South Auckland Rangers, leaving Ngongotaha AFC as one of the lowest ranked sides of the 32 left in the draw.

The match is one of 10 Chatham Cup matches being played on Saturday, following Western Springs AFC and Bay Olympic kicking off the round tomorrow night.