Defensive tightening needed for Tawa clash

Anderson's Meats Wairarapa United are determined not to leak goals in their Capital Soccer premier division match with Tawa at Tawa tomorrow.
In what is a must-win game if Wairarapa United are to continue their charge for promotion to central league next season they don't want a repeat of the first round clash when slack defence allowed Tawa to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Or what happened in the most recent of their premier division games when Petone scored a couple of "soft" goals in beating them 3-1.
Coach Phil Keinzley hopes that Petone defeat proves to be a blessing in disguise for tomorrow's game in that it hammered home the message that at this level poor defence generally meant goals on the board.
"The defence had been right up to scratch for six or seven games in a row and maybe we got a bit complacent there,' he said. "We had lapses in concentration and they (Petone) capitalised."
Keinzley respects Tawa's striking power with their key forward having played for Liverpool's first team and being a lethal finisher when allowed room in which to manoeuvre.
"He's a quality player and they (Tawa) revolve most of their attacking play around him. Keeping him under wraps has to be a priority for us," he said.
Keinzley is also hoping for a more assured effort from Wairarapa United at the other end of the field with several golden scoring opportunities going to waste against Petone. Coming into the side for tomorrow's game is Fijian Sakeo Valevou, who has been a consistent scorer for Wairarapa United's second team in the Capital third division series. He replaces countryman Lai Gataurua who has been troubling opposing defences with his speed and anticipation but who is going through a lean patch as far as goal scoring is concerned.
The inclement weather experienced throughout the Wellington region over the past week or so virtually guarantees ground conditions will be heavy tomorrow but while Keinzley would prefer it firm he says his team have been training in the mud at Carterton's Howard Booth Park thanks to the WBS-sponsored lights installed there so shouldn't be too inconvenienced.
"Obviously a soft surface does effect the speed of the game bit it is a winter sport and you have to cope," he said.
"It doesn't give you an excuse for losing, that's for sure."