Football: Rotorua Utd march on in Cup

Rotorua United's Kim Emmanuelle-Maguire was on target for her side as her goal helped beat Central United in the second round of the Women's Knockout Cup. Photo / Enzo Giordani

Rotorua United are through to the third round of this year's Women's Knockout Cup after an impressive display at the weekend.

They beat Auckland side Central United 2-0 at Neil Hunt Park on Sunday thanks to a first-half goal from striker Kim Emmanuelle-Maguire and a second added after the break in spectacular fashion from fellow forward player Robyn Fisher.

Assistant coach Andrew Gibbs said he was delighted with the result as Central United were a "very physical" team to compete against and highlighted the "outstanding" performance of the backline.

"I was a little surprised with the result as we were really worried about Central. They are very strong and offer a very challenging contest," he said.

"But on the day our defence and goalkeeper were absolutely brilliant for us. They were rock solid and in the end they made Central's attack look very flat.

"From the back we had a very strong base which was great for us going forward.

"It was an all-round excellent display and hopefully we keep going in this competition because it's always a bonus to get a good cup run."

Rotorua United took the lead in the 12th minute when Emmanuelle-Maguire latched on to a through ball from Dani McKenzie and calmly chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper with her right foot.

Fisher sealed the victory with a first-time right-footed volley into the top corner in the penalty box with 20 minutes remaining.

"Both goals were outstanding with great finishes and Robyn's just flew off her boot. The keeper had no chance," said Gibbs.

"It's that sort of finishing you need in a close game. And we really played some top-drawer football on the day."

The official draw for the third round will be conducted this week at the New Zealand Football headquarters in Auckland.

Defending champions are Glenfield Rovers who have won the competition three times since its introduction.

Gibbs and manager Ron Cane have prioritised the league this season. However, Gibbs believes a good cup run will help the confidence of the team.

"Our main goal is the league and for us that is going very well this season," he said. "But the cup is great because it pushes the players to raise their game and it is always a special occasion to play in those sorts of matches.

"We will just have to take each game as it comes and hope we get a good draw in the next round."

Rotorua United are third in the WaiBOP Premier League on 12 points after six games - four points behind leaders Melville United with a game in hand.

- For all the results from round two of New Zealand Football's Women's Knockout Cup visit www.nzfootball.co.nz