Tech’s 2-0 win over Christchurch United on Sunday made it seven straight league victories to open the season, with 37 goals scored and just two conceded. They are still four shy of the most consecutive wins to start a season which is 11, set by United in 2022.
They face FC Twenty 11 in a first-round tie at Riccarton Domain on Saturday. While the Mainland Championship side sits two divisions below, Schwarz said cup football leaves no room for complacency.
“You never know in these cup games – it’s a cup final for everyone.
“It’s still 22 lads going at it, so anything can happen. I’m sure there’s been bigger upsets than us against FC,” he said.
Tech have strong pedigree in the nationwide knockout competition, having lifted the trophy three times. Schwarz was a player in the 2013 and 2014 triumphs, and coach for their most recent win in 2021.
“It’s a great competition and we’ve got great memories in it as coaches and staff and as players.
“Something we talk about year on year is how deep can we go into the cup and can we have a run that excites everyone and unites everyone. We’d love to do that again this year.”
Tech head into the tie in good form. They have not conceded a goal in their last four matches and have scored 23 goals in that stretch.
Striker Garbhan Coughlan leads the way with 13 goals this season, while Zander Edwards (8) and new signing Rory Hibbert (5) have also contributed.
“Everyone’s chipping in at the moment, which is exciting,” Schwarz said.
FC Twenty 11 are also in good touch, winning five of their six games. That includes a 4-0 victory over Parklands United in the preliminary round of the cup two weeks ago, and a 9-0 win over Waimak United reserves on Saturday.
Elsewhere in the cup, Ferrymead Bays – who remain second in the league after a 3-0 win over Selwyn United – host Western tomorrow night. Selwyn will meet Christchurch United on Saturday.
Nomads and Coastal Spirit, third and fourth in the league respectively, meet at Tulett Park, while second-tier sides Halswell United and Burwood face off.
Division One side St Albans Shirley – the lowest-ranked Canterbury team left in the competition – host Waimak United at St Albans Park.
In the women’s Kate Sheppard Cup, Cashmere play Coastal Spirit at Garrick Park on Saturday, with Ferrymead Bays hosting Universities and NW United meeting Halswell at Kendall Park.
CHATHAM CUP ROUND 1
- Ferrymead Bays v Western, Ferrymead Park, 7.15pm Fri
- FC Twenty 11 v Cashmere Tech, Riccarton Domain, 2pm Sat
- Halswell Utd v Burwood, Halswell Domain, 2pm Sat
- Nomads v Coastal Spirit, Tulett Park, 2pm Sat
- St Albans Shirley v Waimak Utd, St Albans Park, 2pm Sat
- Selwyn Utd v Christchurch Utd, Foster Park, 3pm Sat
