SOCCER - North Force in buoyant mood ahead of major battle

Despite missing one of their key play-makers through suspension, North Force have reason to be confident heading into tomorrow's crucial match against Three Kings United at Keith Hay Park.
Steve Schimmel's dismissal last weekend will probably see Scott Burgess dropping into the midfield and Sammy Oso back in the starting line-up - a very effective cover that shows off North Force's depth in the Northern Federations first division.
Just three points adrift of their northern rivals, Three Kings have yet to give up on promotion themselves this season, and North Force coach Paul Cross is expecting to walk into a major battle in Auckland.
"They're going to be desperate for the points - as we are - and for that reason they deserve a bit of respect," Cross said.
His team will be trying to repeat a comfortable 3-0 first round win over their Auckland opponents but Cross believes North Force will need to apply the blow torch to their opponents for the entire 90 minutes if they're to get the right result.
"If we do win then that will propel us right into the heart of the pack competing for promotion," he said.