O'Sullivan key for Villagers

Round one of the Chatham Cup this weekend will take centre stage for most WaiBop Federation clubs, including Ngongotaha AFC.

First played for in 1923, the Chatham Cup has a rich history in New Zealand football.

Rotorua City are the only local side to have appeared in a final which they lost 7-1 to Christchurch United.

After defeating Rotorua United 4-2 in the qualifying round, Ngongotaha carry the hopes of cup glory for the geyser city this year.

The Villagers travel to Gower Park today to take on Melville United who play in Northern League division one.

The key in today's game could be Ngongotaha captain Josh O'Sullivan.

If his team-mates can supply him good ball in attacking positions he is in great goal scoring form and, after a double hat-trick last week, his confidence will be sky high.

Taupo, who registered their first league win last week, meet Northern League division one side Metro at Crown Park.

In front of their home support, Taupo are always hard to beat but they will need to play above themselves to win.

For the second week in a row, Whakatane Town play AFC Fury and, after a 1-1 draw between the sides in the league, this game has extra time written all over it.

However, home advantage could give Whakatane the edge.

WaiBop Federation 1 leaders Tauranga Old Blues are away to Hukanui-Rototuna who top the federation division two table.

In other games, Waikato Unicol host Northern League division one side Ngaruawahia, Takapuna are at home against Claudelands Rovers and Cambridge meet Lyn Avon.

Two WaiBop Federation league games will be played today.

Rotorua United travel to Gower Park to play Melville United while Otumoetai are at home against Matamata Swifts.