Stern cup test for Caversham

Caversham has a daunting challenge ahead if it is going to make it through to the quarterfinals of the Chatham Cup.

It will have to find a way past Cashmere Technical in Christchurch today and that presents as a stern challenge.

Cashmere won the Chatham Cup in 2013 and 2014 and has been in fine touch in the Mainland Premier League with 13 wins and a draw from 16 games.

But it is the rate at which it has been finding the back of the net which will give Caversham the most cause for concern. It has slotted 62 goals with experienced striker Michael White proving to be accurate when presented with half an opportunity.

"They’ve scored a few goals, so obviously we will have to be good defensively for a starter," Caversham coach Malcolm Fleming said.

"The last couple or three games they are averaging about seven goals. They will be on our case right from the word go."

Lucky, then, that Caversham has a very good goalkeeper in Liam Little and some experienced defenders in Tim Horner, Craig Ferguson and Rhys Henderson.

Andrew Ridden is a key player in the midfield and can have a big impact on games. Up front, Caversham has spread the scoring load with Sam Collier, Ryan Fleming and Tore Waechter all capable of converting chances.

"You’ve got to attack to win games. We’ll try to be as tight on defence as we can but we’ve got to make sure we are going forward and putting pressure on them."

The Queenstown Rovers will also fly the flag for Football South. They have a kinder draw with a home fixture against Nelson Suburbs.

The Jamie Whitmarsh-coached side will be looking to make its first appearance in the Chatham Cup quarterfinals with a win at the Queenstown Events Centre today.

Rovers, knocked out by Caversham in round four last year, goes into the game on the back of a six-game winning streak.

"For our club this is only the second time we have reached this stage so the excitement levels are that bit higher," Whitmarch said.

Rovers got into the fourth round thanks to a first-half hat-trick from Carlos Herrmann which helped them defeat Dunedin Technical 3-2.

Nelson Suburbs progressed to the fourth round courtesy of Ross McPhie’s goal in the 39th minute to overcome Coastal Spirit 1-0.

"I get a sense that they will be similar to us in the way they play. Any team that gets to this stage can’t be taken lightly and needs to be respected."

Defending champion Birkenhead United is away to Three Kings United. Miramar Rangers will have a tough challenge away to Wairarapa United, which has former Wellington Phoenix star Paul Ifill in its squad.

Five-time champion North Shore United, which has not lifted the trophy since 1986, will look to upset another five-time champion in Central United.

Onehunga Sports hosts Melville United, Western Springs is at home to Bay Olympic and Stop Out hosts Western Suburbs in the capital. 

 

Chatham Cup
Round 4

Mainland/Southern Region playoffs, July 15. —

Queenstown Rovers v Nelson Suburbs, Queenstown Events Centre, 2pm

• Caversham v Cashmere Technical, Garrick Park, 2pm

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