Shield clash gives United special goal

Trust House Wairarapa United have given themselves an extra incentive to beat Napier City Rovers in their central league football match to be played at Hullena Park, Masterton, on Saturday.
At stake for the first time will be the Bob Hullena Shield which will be up for grabs whenever the two teams meet.
Wairarapa United president Phil Keinzley said the club had donated the trophy as a mark of appreciation of the excellent support given them, and Wairarapa football in general, by Bob Hullena.
''He has been an avid follower of football in this part of the country and has done a huge amount to ensure its growth here,'' Keinzley said. ''This is just a small way of saying thanks for a job well done.''
Keinzley recalled Bob Hullena as being a ''very passionate'' member of the original committee which organised the establishment of Wairarapa United and he said they were fortunate to be able to play many of their fixtures at the Johnstone St grounds named after him by his beloved Masterton AFC, including all of this year's home games in the central league.
The Johnstone St grounds are understood to be only one of four in the country to still be owned by a club and Bob Hullena was a leading instigator in their purchase and in the construction of a grandstand there.
Meanwhile, Wairarapa United will go into Saturday's match without two regular members of their starting line-up, Ian Sandbrook and Pita Rabo.
Sandbrook has been in outstanding form in his debut season in the Wairarapa United colours and was named player of the match in their 2-0 win over Tawa last weekend. He will be replaced in midfield by Andrew Abba.
Rabo was red-carded in the dying stages of the Tawa match for a tackling offence and has been given a one-match suspension. His spot will be taken by James Oxtoby.
Keinzley, who also coaches the central league side, anticipates a stern challenge from a Napier City Rovers team which has started the season well, having already recorded two wins and sitting in fifth equal place on the points table, one place above Wairarapa United.
''Generally, they have had the wood on us so we're taking absolutely nothing for granted,'' he said.
''We've got the ability to win but we'll need to play well.''