Melville United will provide North Force with their biggest challenge to date if they want to add to their recent run of wins in the Northern Federation first division tomorrow.
North Force manager Paul Cross hasn't underestimated the difficulty of the challenge his team will face in Hamiliton.
"They're a strong, physical,
experienced outfit with three or four (Waikato) NZFC players in the squad, so they will be a big challenge for us, given we have a relatively inexperienced side," he said.
Melville United also have reason for confidence, recently moving into second place on the table after beating one of their main rivals for promotion, Metro, 2-0, last weekend. Cross believes if the Force can make their mark on the match and resist becoming involved in a physical exchange, they may sneak a win.
"Technically, I have no doubt that we're a better side and if we are smart enough to outwit them on the field, we'll take the three points," Cross said.
North Force will need to perform for a full 90 minutes if they want a result. In the corresponding first-round fixture, the Whangarei side were 2-1 up until they conceded two goals in the final five minutes to lose 2-3.
``It was our most disappointing performance this year and I suppose you could say we'll be looking for a bit of payback on Saturday,' Cross said.
In Northland, Onerahi take on Kamo at the airport with third place in the league on the line, while Kerikeri meets Kaikohe in the mid-Northern derby. Tikipunga host Madhatters in their quest for a rare win while competition leaders FC Whangarei will be a little cautious in their match against Central Brown, after their Morningside Park visitors beat second-placed Kaikohe last week.
