Against much larger population bases in the north, Dunedin teams have always punched above their weight, and it's a tradition local supporters hope will continue.
Dunedin Technical has home advantage against Bay Olympic at the Caledonian Ground tomorrow.
"We have done our preparation, and we are ready," coach Mike Fridge said.
There are no second chances in cup football, and attacking from the kick-off could net that important first goal for Fridge's team.
Technical has also showed great durability in several recent matches. The side looked dead and buried but recovered with late goals to survive against University, Mosgiel and even Grants Braes, when those clubs looked likely to win.
Fridge recognises that he has a very young defence.
"Tim Myers is probably our most experienced defender, but he is only 20, and in fact Tristan Prattley is older than him."
However, the wily Scot has a core of tough experience in the heart of his squad. Despite losing Andy Coburn this season, in Aaron Burgess he has the coach's dream of a regular top goalscorer, Richard Smith to provide aerial power, and Justin Flaws to deliver menacing crosses and corners, and the return of Blair Scoullar has added strength in the heart of midfield.
Bay Olympic will be a class above any team that Technical has played thus far. Formed by a merger of Blockhouse Bay and Green Bay-Titirangi, the New Lynn-based club has a very strong squad coached by Shane Knowles. Bay Olympic leads the northern league by seven points.
Knowles has been here before. Last year, Bays beat Caversham at the Caledonian to reach the final which they lost 3-1 to Miramar.
Tomorrow's quarterfinal kicks off at 2pm, and fans have been urged to arrive early with parking at a premium due to the fun run.
Caversham faces a tricky away quarterfinal against Auckland's Onehunga at Waikaraka Park tomorrow.
Caversham's rapier-like style has netted 62 goals in 14 premier league matches, and in the cup, 15 goals were scored in three ties.
Coach Richard Murray had to be happy as Caversham disposed of two top Christchurch sides, Western and Coastal Spirit, ramming in 11 goals against them.
If the club can get its expansive passing game going, and attacking players such as Darren Overton, Pat Fleming, Tom Jackson, Seamus Ryder and Hamish Chang hit form, then the cup run could continue.
Today features three important Footballsouth Premier League games: Northern plays University in the early 12.45pm game at Memorial Park; Green Island plays Mosgiel at Sunnyvale; and Grants Braes travels to play Queenstown.
The national women's knockout cup game between Dunedin Technical and Roslyn-Wakari tomorrow has been brought forward to 11.30am.
The South Island futsal tournament will be held at the Edgar Centre tomorrow. An initial squad of 20 players will be selected for the national league, which starts in November.
