Soccer: Fans hope Bay Olympic can deliver payback

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Tucked away among Bay Olympic's gear bag on their flight south yesterday were 30 supporter's T-shirts. Nothing unusual in that until it was revealed they will be not be worn by their own supporters.

Instead they will be on the backs of a group of Dunedin Technical fans who will be on the sidelines at this afternoon's Chatham Cup semifinal at the Caledonian to support the visitors as they battle Caversham for a place in next month's final.

There is no love lost between Dunedin's top clubs hence the unexpected support for Shane Knowles and his Bay Olympic players.

Last season Caversham dumped Technical, the 1999 Cup winners, out 3-0 in round five. They had an even bigger win this season - 5-1 in round two.

Caversham, a proud former National League club, have yet to make a Chatham Cup final in their 79-year history. Coach Steve Fleming sees this as his big chance.

"These chances don't come around too often," said Fleming, something of an institution in Otago football. "We've got a fairly proud history. We have won the league down here a few times of late. Caversham have always been there or thereabouts in terms of flying the flag for the south.

"Now we are at home in the semis everyone is getting behind the club. We are just hoping for a big crowd and the rest will take care of itself."

Caversham have gone further than they did last year when they were tipped out 4-3 at home in the quarter-finals by eventual runners-up Three Kings United.

It has been a major turnaround for Bay Olympic this season. A year ago they had byes in the first two rounds. In the third they were given an old-fashioned hiding - beaten 9-0 at home by Waitakere City.

But a major reshuffle in the off-season as Knowles turned his back on Lynn Avon United and headed virtually across the road to join Bay Olympic - and taking many of his Lynn Avon players with him - has worked wonders and taken his new club within sight of the big show.

Bay Olympic was formed in 1998 with the amalgamation of Blockhouse Bay and Green Bay Titirangi. Blockhouse Bay had some Cup pedigree, having won the coveted trophy in 1970 - the first year of the old National League. They lost the 1975 final to hotshots Christchurch United.

East Coast Bays, the other northern team still in the mix, are also on the road. Willy Gerdson-coached Bays will have the odds stacked against them when they run out to play Miramar Rangers at Dave Farrington Park tomorrow.

One of New Zealand's oldest clubs - founded in 1907 - Miramar have won the Cup three times with their first success in 1966 and their most recent in 2004.

East Coast Bays, in their 51st season, have just the one success - two years ago, 1-0 over Dunedin Technical.

In the past 11 seasons Miramar have fashioned a second-to-none home record in Cup encounters at home. Their only reversal came in 2006 when they bowed out to Palmerston North Marist in a third round penalty shootout.

In the past decade they have been three-time semifinal losers.

"This game means a lot," said Rangers coach Matt Calcott. "The club have got to this stage a number of times in recent years without progressing. This group is very determined to go one further in front of a home crowd.

"To have a home semifinal for the first time in something like 15 years is a big bonus."

Bays have had a solid season. They head south as clear leaders in the Lotto Northern Premier race having lost only twice in 20 league outings.

Last season Bays bowed out in the fourth round, losing 7-6 on penalties away to Manurewa after finishing at 1-1. Gerdson has a good mix in his squad with players who won the cup in 2008 still providing the much-needed experience alongside younger players who have come through the grades with the Bays City Park-based outfit.

The final is scheduled for September 4 at a venue to be determined.

Chatham Cup semifinals

* Today 2pm: Caversham v Bay Olympic
Caledonian Ground, Dunedin
Referee: Jamie Cross

* Tomorrow 2pm: Miramar Rangers v East Coast Bays
Dave Farrington Park, Wellington
Referee: Antony Riley