Striker out to sign off in style

BIG CHANCE: North Force's Josh Hacker will have a massive opportunity as striker from next week, when Keegan Baddeley heads overseas on holiday. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

North Force striker Keegan Baddeley will be after a big game today against Waiuku, it being his last for five weeks as he heads off on holiday.

With his North Force side currently third, Keegan was not to know when he booked a holiday a year ago it would fall at such a crucial part of the season.

His side's second highest goal scorer with 10 goals from 12 games, Keegan will be given the hard word by the coach - not that he will need it - to put in a big performance and help North Force pick up what could be three valuable points.

While gutted to be losing such an attacking weapon, coach Russell Baddeley believes it is an exciting time for youngster Josh Hacker to step up. And Hacker won't be the only one needing to lift his game.

"[Baddeley] will want to sign out helping us get the three points," Russell commented. "These guys booked their holidays a year ago and didn't know they'd be playing for North Force.

"We have been getting our youngsters ready all year for when this happens so it's their time to show us what they can do."

It really will be sink or swim time for North Force's youngsters today as it is not just Baddeley's boots that will need filling.

North Force will be without key players Andrew Dunn, Nathan Steel and Marcus Crum, who are all overseas, for today's game in Waiuku. However, a silver lining for the Northland representative side is the return of Cody 'Hollywood' Lacour from injury, along with Calvin Erick.

Russell said the duo's return will play a big part in offsetting the exit of four regular starters who won't be there in weeks to come.

Today's game will be treated as an absolute battle - one North Force hope they don't let slip away in the final minutes like last week.

"If we can win this we go three points ahead in third [but] it is going to very difficult down there, we are a long way from home and it will be a very physical game.

"We've got to win at least one of these next three games, and maybe a draw. In the second half of the year against those lower teams we need to rattle up some goals, because [winning and promotion] could come down to goal difference."

Next week North Force are again playing away, this time to Tauranga who have won every home match this season.

Last week's 3-2 loss to Papakura is under protest. If successful North Force will claim the win 2-0. An outcome was due in the next day or so.

NRFL Men's Division 2 Golden Boot: Harry Hillary-Jenkins, Papakura City (23); Luke Chapman, Waiuku (17); Steve Schimmel, North Force (15); Andrew Cooper, Tauranga City Utd (12); Keegan Baddeley, North Force (10).