Football: Mixed fortunes for Dunedin sides

Richard Murray.
Richard Murray.
Caversham got a double dose of good news while Dunedin Technical was philosophical about its quarterfinal draw for the Chatham Cup.

Caversham coach Richard Murray could scarcely believe his side's luck.

Not only has the South Dunedin club drawn another home fixture, but it will play Manukau City, arguably the weakest side remaining in the tournament.

"You don't want to put the mockers on but they are perceived as the weakest team in the last eight," Murray said.

Manukau City plays its football in the third tier of the northern region but stunned Papatoetoe 4-3 in a penalty shoot out after the scores were locked 1-1 after extra time.

"We are very happy with that draw. It makes a big financial difference for the club and gives our supporters the opportunity to see us play."

Mike Fridge.
Mike Fridge.
Dunedin Technical was not as lucky, drawing an away fixture against heavyweight Miramar Rangers. Rangers has claimed New Zealand domestic football's greatest prize four times and dispatched Stop Out 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals.

The Wellington club will start as strong favourite but Dunedin Technical coach Mike Fridge was unfazed.

"It's a tough draw but it will be a great game," Fridge enthused.

"If you're going to win the Chatham Cup, you've got to play the best teams at some stage.

"It is a difficult game but at this late stage you were always going to get a difficult game. The only thing which disappoints me is we are not at home. Obviously it makes a difference from the financial side of things."

In the other quarterfinals, Birkenhead United will host Lower Hutt City and Central United will play Eastern Suburbs.

 

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