Soccer: Chance for minnows to shine in Chatham Cup

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The underdogs are ready to bite. Of the 16 survivors in this year's Chatham Cup, only four are national league clubs.

That quartet has been kept apart in this weekend's fourth round, with all expected to advance to the quarter-finals.

Central United, winners in 1997 and 1998, have perhaps the hardest task, but enjoying the home advantage for tomorrow's tie with Fencibles United should tip things their way.

Nik Viljoen, back with Fencibles after playing for East Auckland in the national league, may hold the key to his team's chances.

Central, with many of their national league side on duty, are just in the top half of the northern premier league, but still four places above Fencibles.

North Shore United, who last won in 1986 (their sixth triumph) and have been chasing the victory they need to join Christchurch United as the most successful cup side, are away to non-league West Hamilton United tomorrow.

University Mt Wellington, like North Shore a six-time winner (and six-time runner-up in one of New Zealand's oldest national sporting contests), are also away to non-league opposition in today's clash with Greerton Rovers.

The other two national league survivors, Caversham and Manawatu, are away, with Caversham facing Dunedin rivals Roslyn Wakiri in a delayed third-round tie today. The winner faces Christchurch's Rangers away next weekend for the last quarter-final spot.

Manawatu, who are leading the Central League, travel to Wellington United and are hoping to go at least one round further than they managed last season.

In the other northern battle, premier league Melville and second division Western Springs meet at Gower Park tomorrow. Melville are favoured to go through to the last eight.

With so many "no names," still involved, the Bluebird-sponsored cup is there for the taking by one of a half-dozen clubs who have never threatened before.

The Uncle Toby's women's knockout cup does not have the same fascination, as the big names are still chasing places in the last eight.

Cupholders Lynn Avon - who got home in a penalty shootout over Ellerslie after a 0-0 draw - have a tricky away tie with Eastern Suburbs.

Beaten for the first time in ages by Ellerslie in the league last week, Lynn Avon face the only other team to have scored a goal against them this season.

Ellerslie, cup winners in 2001, meet three-time winners Three Kings in one of tomorrow's six games, and in Wellington four-time beaten finalists Petone are at home to Seatoun.

The quarter-final draws will be made on Monday night.