Dunedin Technical is aiming to create history for the second year running when they meet Wellington United on Saturday afternoon, with a spot in the Kate Sheppard Cup final up for grabs.

It was only a year ago that the Dunedin side became the first from the Football South region to qualify for a semi-final in the country's premier Women's knockout cup competition, before bravely going down 2-0 to eventual champions Glenfield Rovers.

After learning a lot from last year's experience, Technical head coach Graeme Smaill believes his side are much better prepared for the contest they will face in this weekend's semi-final at Newtown Park, Wellington.

"I believe we're in a far better position this year than last year, both in self-belief and also in personnel", Smaill said six days out from the big match. "Last year, we had a few players that had only just come back from long injuries and they were thrown straight into the starting lineup."

"This year, we're in great shape. We've lost Kate Guildford back to the United States for her scholarship, but aside from that, everyone's available".

Smaill's Dunedin Technical side has already completed an unbeaten winter season, with only a solitary draw against Roslyn Wakari keeping them from a perfect winning record. In fact, Technical has only lost one league match in the last four seasons, and has steadily improved in their national cup efforts which pits them against the very best clubs in the country. 

In addition, a number of team members were part of the Southern United side that surprised the country in last year's National Women's League by making the play-offs. As a result Smaill, who was also involved in the coaching staff of that team, has seen his players develop a genuine sense of confidence in their abilities.

"If we just go out and play to our potential then I think we've got the ability on our day to beat any side in the country at the moment."

That will be put to the test on Saturday, when they travel to face an equally in-form Wellington United side, unbeaten in their 2018 W-League campaign. Remarkably, the two teams share an identical league record in 2018, having played 15 matches for 14 wins and one draw.

Smaill is looking forward to the contest. "I think they're very similar to us in the way that they play. I've seen them in action and they play a similar style. They've got a lot of depth. They're a very composed side and they get their wide backs very high, they're patient on the ball, and they've got express pace up front."

Wellington have been doing their research too, with their coach in Dunedin a fortnight ago to video their opponent in action.

Wellington United perhaps have an additional special motivation to lift the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand women’s club football after the recent shock passing of club stalwart Tim Robertson, who tragically passed away after collapsing during a match for the club on Saturday 4th August.

The sudden passing shocked the Wellington footballing community. Two of Robertson’s six children, Michaela and Jemma, are key members of the club’s W-League squad.

For Smaill, reaching the final of the Kate Sheppard Cup would be the perfect send-off. He's stepping down as head coach at the end of the season after eight years at the helm and six consecutive Premier League titles.

"You couldn't write the script any better if we made it to the national final", Smaill admitted. "But even if we don't, it's been a great ride and this will be a great way to go out regardless. I know the Tech girls will give everything they have to try and win the game."

"All that we can ask is that if we don't win it, then it's because we've been beaten by a better side. What we don't want is to go up there and lose and think 'gee what if we'd just performed to our potential'. I feel pretty confident that we'll go up there and won't be overwhelmed by the occasion and we'll perform to the best of our ability."

Logistically, these matches are always difficult, with the costs of arranging travel at relatively short notice meaning the team won't be travelling up the night before. This is something that Smaill takes in his stride.

"We're going up on the day of the game, but we get into Wellington around 11:35am, leaving plenty of time before the 2pm kickoff. It's part and parcel of sport these days that you cover large geographical areas to play these games".

The Tech side have once again been blown away by the level of support they've received from the local footballing community.

"We've had a lot of great support", said Smaill. "Bruno Alexander from the St Kilda Tavern and the Bendigo Trust have offered to help provide some funding to the club to help get us there. We really appreciate that kind of support from people in the community who know just how hard it is."

There's a small but passionate band of supporters expected to travel to Wellington for the semi-final. It even includes people from rival Dunedin clubs keen to cheer our region's best on.

"That says a lot about our football community doesn't it - when your local rivals are getting behind you and lending their support."

- Article by Morgan Jarvis. Team photo by Wolfgang Gerber.

Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup Semi-Finals:

Wellington United vs Dunedin Technical
Saturday 25 August, 2pm
Newtown Park, Wellington

Glenfield Rovers vs Forrest Hill Milford United
Sunday 26 August, 2pm
McFetridge Park, Auckland

Above: Dunedin Technical head coach Graeme Smaill

Article added: Monday 20 August 2018