SOCCER - North Force aim for maximum points

The Jekyll and Hyde nature of North Force's football opponents this weekend hasn't escaped the attention of their coach Paul Cross.
On the face of it, Ngaruawahia United don't have the firepower to threaten North Force but a 2-2 away draw with league leaders Lynn Avon two weeks ago will make sure the visitors aren't taken lightly at Kamo tomorrow.
Ngaruawahia crashed to a 0-4 loss to Metro last weekend leaving them fourth from the bottom in the Northern Federation's First Division but the team's previous result means the visitors are capable of pulling a good performance on the road, Cross said.
"Let's just hope they don't bring their good game with them his weekend," Cross joked.
"Certainly we're looking for maximum points this weekend but we won't be making the mistake of taking Ngaruawahia lightly. We'll be sticking to our game plan - we have to take every opportunity we can, given the close nature of this competition."
Lynn Avon have opened a six-point gap on the rest of the field but the next seven teams including North Force in sixth, are only separated by four points, making it a fascinating race for promotion.
Last week's match at Tikipunga against Papakura saw the locals play a far superior game for the majority of the match, but poor finishing cost them a big victory. In the end Papakura went uncomfortably close to drawing the match.
Cross believes the finishing in the match was poor and he won't be making any changes to the team as a result. Midfielder Carlin Harrison will miss another match with a leg injury, while captain Bruce Plunkett is still under an injury cloud, after injuring his back in the Papakura match.
Second-placed Kamo Mico host third-placed Onerahi in a big match at Tikipunga in the Northland Premier League (12.45pm start), while Central Brown will try to build on their recent run of form in the competition, when they host FC Whangarei at Otaika.
Madhatters host Tikipunga in the third fixture, while at Lindvart Park, Kaikohe and Kerikeri face off for another nailbiting northern derby match.