Chatham Cup holders Birkenhead United get tough draw

Birkenhead players celebrate their 2016 Chatham Cup victory over Waitakere City. Photo/Photosport

The quarter-finals of the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup has thrown up some fascinating clashes, with four recent champions among the last eight.

Cup holders Birkenhead United face a battle to retain their hard-earned crown, with the visit of fellow Lotto NRFL Premier League side Onehunga Sports.

Onehunga are currently top of the Premier League, with Birkenhead eight points back in second.

It continues a challenging run for Birkenhead, who were the Cinderella story of last year's tournament, but have faced top-flight opposition in every round thus far, including a 2-1 defeat of Three Kings United last weekend.

Also in Auckland, five-time winners Central United will chase their sixth title at home against Wairarapa United, who lifted the trophy in 2011.

Central reached the last eight with a 4-0 win over North Shore United in the previous round, while Wairarapa edged past Miramar Rangers 2-1.

In Wellington, 2006 Cup winners Western Suburbs host 2010 runners-up Bay Olympic.

The two teams experienced contrasting paths, with Bay Olympic prevailing over Western Springs 3-2, while Western Suburbs brushed past Stop Out 5-1.

The remaining quarter-final is an all-South Island affair between Nelson Suburbs and Cashmere Technical.

Cashmere, who won back-to-back Chatham Cup titles in 2013 and 2014, will be prohibitive favourites, having already beaten Nelson four times this year.

The quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of August 5-6, with the details to be confirmed in due course by the clubs and federations.

ISPS Handa Chatham Cup Quarter-Finals
(August 5-6, match details TBC)
Central United v Wairarapa United
Western Suburbs v Bay Olympic
Birkenhead United v Onehunga Sports
Nelson Suburbs v Cashmere Technical