Herbert plans to stay fifth on table

North Force Reserves are adamant they will hold on to their fifth place in the United Soccer 1 Men's Reserves Premiership, despite losing 2-1 to Birkenhead Reserves at Kamo Sports Park.
Coach Paul Herbert said Saturday's loss was a huge disappointment as they had targeted this game as one to win. North Force Reserves finished near the bottom of the table last year but have had a better than expected season to date, making it into the top five of the tough competition, and had even had a short stint at third recently.
"We drew with Birkenhead 0-0 in the first round, and we thought Saturday's game was one game we could have won," Herbert said.
"Losing 2-1 was gutting." 
Conor Von Keisenburg helped to close the gap with his goal during the second quarter in the 89th minute, but it was too late.
With three matches remaining against competitive sides - away to Takapuna on Saturday, Waitakere and Glenfield, North Force Reserves have their work cut out for them. Herbert said the team's aim  was to stay in fifth at least, and to balance out goals conceded with goals scored.
The premier North Force team also played Birkenhead on Saturday in the US1 Men's Premiership and drew 3-3.
While it was a disappointing first half for coach Bruce Plunkett, he said his troops showed a big  improvement during the second stanza where they levelled up the match.
Scott Burgess had a great outing, scoring a double, while Steve Crowley also found the back of the net.
North Force are in eighth on the table heading into their match with fourth-placed Takapuna on Saturday at Taharoto Park.
Kamo Men have taken out the Northland Men's Premier League after pipping Okaihau-Kaeo 5-1.
 It was Kamo's 49th consecutive win since the end of 2007, and with one game left this Saturday against Kerikeri, Kamo manager Brad Flower said the team was determined to reach 50 wins.
"Even if we lose against Kerikeri, they can't catch us ...  we haven't had any losses yet." he said.
Kerikeri are in second place after drawing with Tikipunga, 0-0 while FC Whangarei are in third. Onerahi drew with FC Whangarei 2-2, while Madhatters had a bye. 
In the US1 Women's Federation Plate, West Auckland won 3-0 on penalties against Kamo after a 2-2 draw in the semifinal. In the Northland Women's Knockout Cup, Kerikeri beat Onerahi 2-0.  Kerikeri High School beat Tikipunga Blue 3-0.