Football: History on the line for United

Rotorua United's Kim Emmanuelle-Maguire (left), coach Ron Cane, Caitlin Smith and Maddi Ollington and the side are hoping to make cup history tomorrow. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua United are aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Women's Knockout Cup for the first time in the club's history.

United host NRFL side Western Springs AFC in the third round of the competition at Neil Hunt Park on Sunday after beating Auckland side Central United 2-0 in the previous cup game.

It will be a difficult challenge for United - Western Springs are currently second in their division, and the home side go into the game with less match time as their last two fixtures were cancelled.

However United coach Ron Cane said the magic of the cup would undoubtedly raise player performances and it would be a level playing field on the day.

"Cup games are always special and it will be a huge day for this club. These are the matches you want to be part of," he said.

"I don't know if having less game time will affect us and we face very tough opposition but I hope the girls come straight out of the blocks. Everybody should be eager to perform and win.

"It's a one-off game, with no second chances. We have a lot of ability in the side so the key to getting a result will be taking advantage of our pace and getting the ball in the box as much as possible.

"We have to have clinical finishing on the day if we want to make history for the club and I'm hoping this could be the start of something special here."

The side will be at almost full strength and have a dangerous attacking line up including top goal scorers Kim Emmanuelle-Maguire, with 13 strikes in all competitions, and Annalise Heuvel, netting eight so far this season.

But they will be without defender Hannah Searle and nifty midfielder Ella Fookes.

"We have some very good goal scorers on the side and a lot of pace down the flanks which we have to make the most of that on the day," Cane said.

"Everybody has to stay focused and enjoy the occasion. This is time that the team won't get back together.

"I want them to take good memories away from this competition and hopefully it will be a happy, winning one for them."

United have previously only reached the second round of the competition.

Assistant coach Andrew Gibbs is confident of a positive result on Sunday.

"What they have achieved already is brilliant and everybody should feel proud of how they have played," he said.

"Anything can happen in a cup game so the girls have to play with belief and take the game to Western Springs.

"It would be a huge achievement if we did get a good result and I wouldn't be able to put that achievement into words. Let's all focus on reaching the quarter-finals."

- Kick off is 1pm.