North Force fans are hoping the side can double their tally of away wins this weekend by beating Takapuna tomorrow.
A win at Auckland's Taharoto Park will see them reach 25 points on the table - possibly enough to see them reach the semifinals, with four rounds of the US1 Premier
league still to be played.
"We've only had one win away from home this season, when we beat Birkenhead 1-0, but I don't see why we can't do it again on Saturday," coach Dean Wheatley said.
"There's a feeling of confidence in the squad that we can play well and it's a good incentive for the boys to know they're almost into the play-offs if we win."
Wheatley is pleased they are a clear third on the table, despite their away form and said making the playoffs was an achievement within the team's reach.
"Of course we've still got to win on Saturday, and it all comes down to what we do on the day. Hopefully, we'll play positively and get a win on the road, which would be lovely," he said.
Takapuna sit on the bottom of the table but have won their last two games, including a 3-2 win over fourth-placed Western Oratia last weekend.
North Force beat them 3-1 in the first round at Tikipunga but like some other Auckland clubs, there is a possibility they have bolstered their squad since then.
There are a couple of injury concerns for Wheatley's squad. Steve Crowley is nursing an injury after limping from the field against Albany last weekend, while Adam Sharp will also need to pass a fitness test.
Countering this is the return of captain Bruce Plunkett after serving a suspension last week.
If competition gets under way in the water-logged North this weekend, the League Cup semifinals will be played. Postponed last weekend, the semifinals were brought forward to tomorrow to replace the scheduled league matches.
Kamo play FC Whangarei at Kamo, while the fast-improving Kerikeri host Onerahi at Waipapa Park.
