Football: Big challenge for Queenstown

It will be something of a David-and-Goliath struggle in Queenstown today, as Chatham Cup action comes to the resort.

Queenstown Rovers takes on Caversham in a last 16 knock-out game and the home team goes in as a clear underdog.

But Queenstown is not putting up the white flag, going out with a positive mindset for the match, which kicks off at 2pm at the Queenstown Events Centre.

It is the furthest the Queenstown side has ever gone in the cup, something coach Jamie Whitmarsh describes as a huge achievement.

He said the team is confident its guts and determination could surprise its opponent.

That said, he is well aware of the size of the task his team faces.

"We know it is going to be very difficult. They are a very good team. But if we play to our maximum we may surprise people. We are going to go into it full of heart but also need to be realistic, as well,'' he said.

"But we are not turning up just to take part. We are doing all right.''

Midfielder Daniel De Souza will captain the side but Whitmarsh said it will be very much a team effort.

"Everyone will know what they need to do and they all stand up. Whether it will be good enough on the day, well, that will be proven. They are all good lads and we have a really good spirit and that is probably the reason we have got so far in this competition.''

The team never thought progression to this stage was possible at the start of the season, but Whitmarsh told the Otago Daily Times the players are starting to "believe'' describing a possible win as the "icing on the cake.''

"It's about 90 minutes and our boys trying to live the dream.''

Whitmarsh watched Caversham play in Dunedin last weekend and was impressed by its form.

He'll use that knowledge to consider tactics for today's match.

The team is made up of New Zealanders, Brazilians, Argentinians, and many from the United Kingdom.

The team was just a reflection of the mix of people in Queenstown, Whitmarsh said.

He didn't want to be drawn on a win but said progression to the next round would be surreal.

"If we got through - and that is a big ask - then we won't be beating our drum. We will just crack on and see where it leads us and try to progress again. Then all of a sudden, when you get to the last minute, anything is possible.''

The winner of the match will go into the next round of eight teams where the side can be drawn against anyone from around New Zealand.

Queenstown plays in the Southland league and has been in the top three all season, though it lost points for playing unregistered players in the first game of the season.

Caversham has been the form side in the premier league in Dunedin.

It has won all 13 of its games and conceded just three goals all season.

- Additional reporting by Steve Hepburn

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