Rotorua United AFC aim to start a fairytale run this weekend. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotorua United AFC aim to start a fairytale run this weekend. Photo/Ben Fraser
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 HuntPark 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.
The Rotorua first team will be without central midfielder Eru West after he suffered a hamstring injury against Otumoetai - a "big blow" for Walker to face.
"He's a big part of our team and has played excellently recently - he is a massive loss. It means a player will have to step up from our Championship side and put in a good game. I'm sure this will happen though," Walker said.
Walker said he was wary of an "unknown" Rangers opposition but was confident players would lift their performance in front of a home crowd.
"I haven't been able to do any research on them and don't know what to expect," he said.
"Every player wants a good run in the Chatham Cup and a good run here could give us lots of confidence in the league as well. It's a big one at home for us and that could make a real difference with support cheering us on. The cup raises performances because of the occasion."
