Soccer: Armstrong chases elusive cup honour

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Chatham Cup holds special memories for Ron Armstrong.

As a player he had a few medals around his neck and was part of the great Mt Wellington teams of the 1970s and 80s. But he has yet to savour the same success as a coach.

He came close in 1996 when he took then-premier league side Mt Wellington into the final, only to lose 1-3 to Waitakere City.

Now, Armstrong is back on the campaign trail with Waitakere City, who take their first step towards September's Chatham Cup final by playing Glenfield Rovers at suburban McFetridge Park tomorrow.

"Sure, I would dearly love to win the cup as a coach," Armstrong said. "But that is never easy.

"Glenfield have nothing to lose and will be keen to show they are good enough to compete with a national league side.

"I've seen them play this season, and I'm well aware of their capabilities."

Central United, looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Miramar Rangers in the national league on Monday, travel to Crum Park to play Bay Olympic this afternoon.

University Mt Wellington have an even shorter trip, to Michaels Ave, to play Ellerslie.

Mangere United, with several Fijians in their ranks, are at home to Mt Albert Grammar School.

The North Shore-Birkenhead clash tomorrow has been transferred from a boggy Allen Hill Stadium to Devonport Domain.