Corrimal boss not cowered

Corrimal coach David Cuda isn't underestimating the enormous task facing his squad in Tuesday's clash with Port Kembla.

In a David and Goliath Cup duel, the District League challengers meet the Illawarra Premier League's defending premiers in the quarter-finals of the Bert Bampton Cup at Memorial Park.

Rangers currently sit fourth in the second-tier competition - a significant distance behind the Premier League heavyweights, who have started their season slower than expected.

But Cuda wasn't buying into his rivals' stuttering form.

"They have still got the core nucleus of last year's team so it is going to be a massive challenge for us," Cuda said.

"The boys will be up for it but we are under no illusions of how difficult it is going to be given the differences in the personnel they have on offer and what we have.

"There is no doubt our boys can get the job done, we just need a bit of luck to go our way.

"It is going to be a good challenge. It is exciting for the club."

Corrimal had started their regular campaign in devastating form, but two losses in their past three matches has seen the club lose touch with Shell Cove at the top of the competition.

Cuda hopes a strong performance against Port Kembla can help get his troops back on track. "We started the season pretty well but the last couple of weeks have been disappointing. We have dropped some key points," Cuda said.

"Hopefully we can use this weekend to get going again because we definitely need three points in our competition."

The quarter-final berth and solid beginning to 2014 comes in Cuda's first as a head coach in Illawarra football.

"I'm fortunate to be working with a good group of players who are hungry and want to be successful," he said.

"The club has given us a good environment to work in so, so far so good."

In Tuesday's other quarter-final, Fernhill can put their slow start to the Illawarra Premier League aside with a home game against Berkeley Sports.

BERT BAMPTON CUP

Quarter-finals

Tuesday, 8pm

Corrimal Rangers v Port Kembla, Memorial Park

Fernhill v Berkeley Sports, Ray Robinson Field