Round 3 of the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup kicks off Friday night. Here's some things to know...

1. Watch Cup action from wherever you are in Aotearoa

Livestreaming has come to the Cups! Friday 7pm sees 2018 Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup winners Dunedin Technical host Otago University AFC, which will be streamed live on the New Zealand Football YouTube channel for the first time.

Click here to set a reminder and settle in.

2. Friday night lights

Start your weekend off right by getting in some Cup action tonight. If you’d prefer live action and are in the NRF region, Western Springs host NRFL rivals Northern Rovers at Seddon Fields, kick off at 7.15 pm.

Meanwhile in Mainland, some Chatham Cup action can be had as Christchurch United host Coastal Spirit at Christchurch Football Centre, kicking off at 7.30 pm.

Is there a better way to finish the week than with some Cup magic?

3. Tight clashes

Football South’s Green Island AFC and Otago University AFC take a break from chasing qualification for the Southern League by clashing in the Chatham Cup. Will there be a repeat of last weekend’s 3-0 win to Green Island or will Otago University have an answer for their Southern rivals? Meanwhile in the Kate Sheppard Cup, the Palmerston North Marist and Wellington fixture is set to be a highlight of

If their recent league clash is anything to go by, spectators are in for a treat.

4. Double header Hamilton

And if you’re in Hamilton this weekend, specifically near Porritt Stadium, then there’s two days worth of Cup action waiting for you as Hamilton Wanderers host Auckland United in the Kate Sheppard Cup on Saturday, while the Chatham Cup sees Manukau United travelling to the Waikato.

5. Spotlight: Franklin United v Ellerslie

Of the nine first time entrants in the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup, just two remain for Round 3: Franklin United, who play in NRF Community Div 2, and Nelson Pine Senior Women’s Premiership Division 1 table toppers Richmond Athletic.

For Round 3 Richmond host 2019 finalists Coastal Spirit, while Franklin United have drawn NRFL Women’s Premier team Ellerslie AFC, who are chasing National League qualification.

We caught up with Franklin United head coach Ben Fletcher, whose team has so far seen off Puhoi, West Auckland and Rotorua United AFC.

How does it feel to get to this stage of the Kate Sheppard Cup in the club’s first-time entry?

BF: “This is a very proud moment for the group of players, the supporters and female pathway at Franklin United. The people involved have been incredible and it is their hard work that has made this happen.

“If there is a moment that has stood out in the group, it was when the team won on penalties against West Auckland and celebrated with our U14 NRFL Premiership girls team. The U14 girls’ support pushed the women, which made a huge difference on the day.”

How have you been preparing for the game this weekend?

BF: “We’re preparing for this like every other week. It's a journey and each game provides an opportunity to learn and better ourselves. Our principles allow us to be flexible and adapt to situations, regardless of the opposition.

“Staying connected as a group is key, in and out of possession, and attacking space with intent when we have the ball. We know Ellerslie are going to bring their 'A' game and the opportunity for us is to see if we can go toe-to-toe with a Premier League team. We can't wait to see.”

Anything interesting to know about the match up this weekend (e.g. connections between clubs/players playing former club)?

“I was at Ellerslie for three years with the men’s reserves, first team and U19s (Won U19 Napier Nationals with Ellerslie – the only coach in their history to do so). I also attended the B-Licence course with Ryan (Shiffman, Ellerslie head coach) and admire the work he does at Ellerslie.

“I have a lot of time for the people involved with Ellerslie, especially Tim Adams. The man is a legend and I’ve got all the time in the day for him. With the U14 girls, the coach Mark Thompson and I have had three games this year and are good friends off the field as well. I even coached Mark when he played at Ellerslie – he still uses the warm-up I introduced to him!

“Jason Oliver coached the Ellerslie women's team for six years before Ryan took over. He has great connections to the club as well, which we are predicting a big crowd on the top of the hill for the game. Through Jason's connections, we have several players that have played for Ellerslie – Neda Espie, Erin Berry, Emily Maguire.”

Article added: Friday 18 June 2021