New force at helm has promising start

Mutual respect plays a huge part in relations between coaching staff and players, and North Force has plenty of it this year.
Their early season results and their desire to win, even when the chips are down, has shown all is well in the camp this year - something skipper Scott Burgess reiterated  ahead of his side's double header at home this weekend, against North Shore and Mount Albert Ponsonby.
Burgess is now in his fifth season with North Force, and is comfortable in his role as captain of the premier men's team.
"I'm pretty used to it - I was captain two years ago, and at the end of last year, when Bruce [Plunkett] took over as coach," he said.
After former North Force coach Dean Wheatley retired late last season, Plunkett took up the role, and while the season is still young, the change has already seen some positive results.
"It has been a good change, and it was a good thing Bruce started in the role last year as it got him into the groove of coaching at this level ... he is a very good coach, he gets along with his players and there is a good atmosphere in the team, a lot of which was created by Bruce," Burgess said.
When injury took its toll last weekend during North Force's match against Fencibles United, in Pakuranga, Plunkett even laced up his boots for the final minutes of the game as his side were left with 10 players on the pitch. They determinedly clung to a 2-1 lead to win the match.
"The guys have a lot of respect for him and Bruce has a lot of respect for his players, and it shows."
After two years in the US1 Premier Division, the North Force captain said his side's switch back to compete in the Northern Regional Federation League first division has proved to be another positive move. "We are enjoying the level of competition, which is a step up from  last year ... and the travel is not much different."
On Saturday, North Force will try for another victory to go with their first round draw (against Birkenhead) and last week's win. North Shore  finished last in the US1 Premier competition last year, while on Monday, North Force host Mount Albert Ponsonby and this team are an unknown quantity, Burgess says. The last time the two sides met was three years ago, and they were evenly matched then, winning a game apiece. Injuries are still plaguing five
of the 17-man squad, however, with goalie Leon Taylor out (shoulder) along with Sam McGregor (knee), while  Steve Schimmel (concussion), Aaron Taylor (groin) and Daniel Lavelle (quad)  are doubtful for this weekend.
North Force's premier men play North Shore at 3.15pm on Saturday, at Tikipunga Sports Park, with reserves kicking off at 1pm, while on Monday, North Force host Mt Albert Ponsonby, also at Tikipunga, with premiers at 2pm and reserves at 12pm.
Meanwhile, the FC Whangarei men's team get their season under way  in the newly formed US1 Championship against Waitemata, from 3.15pm at Morningside Park on Saturday, followed by an away game on Monday, against Warkworth, at 2.45pm.