FOOTBALL - North Force look to pick up their game

When North Force line up against Lynn-Avon United this weekend in round three of the Northern Premier Women's Football League, they will be hopeful of a third-time-lucky scenario.
New to the premier league this year, North Force women have stepped up to be competitive against top-class teams in the league and on Sunday, they will need to step higher against third-placed Lynn-Avon in Auckland.
While the North Force girls can only be commended for the huge efforts they have poured into the first two rounds, results have not gone their way.
In round one, North Force lost 5-0 to Glenfield Rovers who are fourth on the ladder, while last week at Tikipunga Park, the girls trailed front-runners Three Kings United 6-0.
The tough start to the season has made the North Force more determined to improve in every game and show why they were promoted to the premier league, skipper Sandi Burleigh says.
"Everyone wants to remain in the league - it was a big step for us to get to where we are now," she said.
"We are not worried about how many goals we score, but how we play."
North Force are without injured striker Chelsea Webster and Hannah Wilkinson - who is away with the Australian Futsul team, while Nicci Anderson and Nicky Cooling have other commitments this week.
In their absence, Georgia Green and Katie Rood return to the First XI, along with Rachel Porter and Estelle Harrison who will start at midfield.