Selection headache a 'good problem' for coach

Wairarapa United football coach Phil Keinzley admits to having a problem on his hands.

And it's got nothing to do with the car accident that saw him hospitalised last week.

The problem is who to include in his starting line-up for the central league fixture with Wellington United at Howard Booth Park, Carterton, this Saturday.

Every player available to Wairarapa United is contesting for positions in a side which has already opened up a four-point lead on the competition table. That situation leaves Keinzley conceding some in-form squad members will be forced to sit on the reserve bench. "It's a good problem to have but, at the same time, you have to feel sorry for the players who miss out - they have every reason to feel disappointed."

Making his debut for Wairarapa United will be Miramar Rangers and Team Wellington recruit Daren Cheriton but Keinzley wasn't saying whether he will be part of the starting XI.

He rates the midfielder highly but with another of the star performers in that area in Miroslav Tvaroh returning from injury and the likes of Dale Higham, Adam Cowan, Pita Rabo, Aaron Spierling and Carl Shailer playing so well there can be no certainty about his role.

That Seule Soromon and Paul Ryder will continue their association up front does seem assured but there are also plenty of options available in defence where James Oxtoby, Waisake Sabatu, Pablo Moya, Tim Schaeffers and Nathan Cooksley are all vying for places. First string goalkeeper Phil Imray will be between the sticks.

Wellington United started the season as one of the lesser-rated sides in the central league but their second-equal place on the points table illustrates the good impression they have made.

Keinzley watched them win a Chatham Cup first round match last weekend and, while they struggled to beat a team graded two levels below them, he was taken enough by their play to predict they would give Wairarapa United a decent run for their money.

"You had to like the way they stuck at it, they obviously have plenty of determination and that can go a long way."