United got their Illawarra Premier League campaign off the a winning start with a 2-1 win over Port Kembla on Sunday and will look to continue their good form in the second Cup match.

The powerhouse Berkeley based club scored a dominant 9-0 win over The Ponds in their first Cup encounter a fortnight ago.

Vrtkovski was keen for his side to continue in the form in their mid-week clash with the Hawks.

But he admitted he would have to take a careful approach with his squad as he attempts to juggle the club’s IPL campaign and a potential Cup run. 

“We’ve got depth and the key thing for me is managing that,” Vrtkovski said.

“We have 11 games this month so it is critical that we can just manage the squad and the rotation ensuring players get enough rest when they need to.

“For me that’s vital to winning the league this year.”

Japanese additions Daisuke Yuzawa, Taka Njoi, Kai Miyakawa are expected to play a key part in Vrtkovski’s plans this season.

The trio were standouts in United’s previous Cup win over The Ponds.

“They are very dynamic and fluid in the way they play,” Vrtkovski said.

“In one of[Cup] matches, they were extraordinary. All three of them,” 

“It’s a testament to them in the 9-0 win against The Ponds – Daisuke had a hat-trick in the first 12 minutes or something.

“They live together and travel together so for me that’s really important.

“It was disappointing Kai was on bench [in Sunday’s win over Port] but I believe it is that depth that we have got that will take us through in the league and the Cup quarter-finals I believe.”

Bulli, Albion Park White Eagles and the Wollongong Wolves all still have Cup matches to play this week.

Bulli travel to Macarthur Rams on Wednesday night, the White Eagles face Lane Cove and the Wolves meet NSW NPL Men’s 1 rivals Sutherland Sharks.

Picton Rangers are still in the draw but are yet to discover their opponent while Kemblawarra Fury won through to round five with a comfortable 4-2 victory over Gosford City at Pluim Park last week.