Three centurions a rare feat for United

Three players each with more than 100 appearances for the club will be part of the Wairarapa United squad for their Central League fixture with Napier City Rovers at Howard Booth Park, Carterton, on Saturday.

Carl Shailer, Aaron Spierling and Pita Rabo have all made it into three figures, a situation which has coach Phil Keinzley wondering whether that sets Wairarapa United apart from other Central League clubs.

"There's probably one or two [other clubs] who have a couple over the 100 mark but three ... I would think that was pretty unique," Keinzley said.

Shailer and Rabo were regulars in the Wairarapa United squad which had such a memorable 2011 season, capturing the nation's major knockout competition crown, the Chatham Cup, and coming third in the Central League.

Spierling also made the odd appearance last year but mainly turned out for the club's second team. And that seemed likely to be his fate again this season until a shortage of first string players saw him in the starting line-up for the side's opening league game against Olympic last weekend. He responded with a player of the match performance.

Spierling played so well that Keinzley concedes he was left with no alternative but to start him against Napier City Rovers, the team Wairarapa United beat 2-1 in that memorable Chatham Cup final.

Not only did Spierling set up one of his team's three goals in their 3-3 draw with a well-timed through pass but his distribution skills in general were excellent and he was robust on defence.

"Aaron was outstanding. He did everything we wanted him to do and more," Keinzley said. "He simply had to be a first pick for this weekend, you couldn't leave him out."

The return of big defender Waisake Sabatu from suspension could, however, mean at least one change to the Wairarapa United starting XI on Saturday. His ability in the air and strength on the ball makes him difficult to overlook but if he is to play, then one of James Oxtoby, Pablo Moya or Shailer would be relegated to the bench. And with all three playing well against Olympic, that would be a tough decision.

Keinzley is anticipating a stern challenge from a Napier City Rovers team seeking revenge for their Chatham Cup loss, as well as redemption for a disappointing effort last weekend when they were beaten 3-2 by a Petone side down to nine players at the final whistle. Apparently their coach was also cooling his heels in the sin bin.

"They are a very good unit and last weekend will be a nightmare they will want to put behind them as quickly as possible," Keinzley said of Napier. "They won't lack motivation, that's for sure."