Four former northern Chatham Cup winners and a team comprising players from another two past victors will seek to keep the dream of further success alive in third round action this weekend.
For six-time winners North Shore United, tomorrow's home tie with Albany United promises plenty. Both teams
are having a wretched premier league season. Both have identical four-win, eight-defeat records.
Shore have history on their side, having played their first final in 1926 and their most recent in 1995. They lost both but, in between, fashioned one of the most impressive records - second only to Mt Wellington.
Three-time winners Central United have what appears an easier assignment, at home to Mt Albert Grammar.
In what promises to be a festive occasion at Kiwitea St, the two teams, based just a couple of kilometres apart and stacked with promising young players, should turn in an open, exciting brand of football.
Central, the northern premier high-flyers, should bounce back from last week's first loss of the season, to make it through to the last 16.
The Aaron McFarland-coached team boasts a number of talented youngsters, including Sam and Jacob Mathews, former MAGS defender Sam Campbell, Adam George, Kings College captain John Niyonsaba and Nick Robson.
They are backed by more experienced players in goalkeeper Richard Gillespie, Luis del Monte, Kara Waetford and in-form goalscorers Jason Hayne and Dave Richmond.
For his part, MAGS coach Kevin Fallon can call on some impressive kids including captain Ash Solly, flying wide players Malcolm MacRae and Pomare Te Anau, and striker Mark Withers.
"Some people have said to me it is the draw from hell," said Fallon. "I don't see it that way. It is a great draw.
"You always want to test yourself against the best.
"We just want to make a game of it. It's about a day out and getting to play on a good pitch."
Former winners Eastern Suburbs are away to Melville today and Manurewa (winners in 1978 and 1984) are at home to neighbours Mangere United.
Three Kings United, a combination of Eden (who won the cup in 1950) and Mt Roskill, who won 14 years later, are away to Hamilton Wanderers tomorrow.
