United: Brains before brawn

Wairarapa United will need to play smart if they are to beat Miramar Rangers in their top-of-the-table central league match at Queen Elizabeth Park oval in Masterton tomorrow.
That's the word from coach Phil Keinzley, who makes no secret of his high regard for a Miramar Rangers side who are the current Chatham Cup holders and have so far gone seven central league games without defeat.
"They are a top side and you can't help but respect them," Keinzley said yesterday.
"They know how to win the big games and they don't come a lot bigger than this."
Talented as they are, Keinzley is convinced that on a player-to-player basis United compares more than favourably with Rangers and, if they follow the basics and stick to the game plan, they will give the fans plenty to celebrate.
"We have to use the brains as well as the feet, we have to be smarter than them," Keinzley said.
"If we let them get into our heads, it will be all over bar the shouting. They are the sort of team which will tear you apart if you show any weaknesses in the top couple of inches."
Keinzley says keeping their shape on defence will be especially crucial to Wairarapa United's chances as Miramar Rangers have a couple of pacy strikers who will be lethal if they are allowed to get behind them.
In previous games -five out of seven of which they have won - Wairarapa United have often got themselves out of strife through the brilliance of goalkeeper Matt Borren. But even he will struggle to keep the Miramar Rangers front runners at bay if they are given time on the ball and space in which to move.
And this is one match where the pace of key Wairarapa United defenders such as Nathan Cooksley and Waisake Sabatu is sure to be tested.
They are both aggressive and good in the air but Miramar Rangers will be looking to ask questions of their speed.
Vital, too, will be the distribution skills of the Wairarapa United midfield where Adam Cowan, Pita Rabo and Scott Robson will be looking to ensure that front runners like Dale Higham, Seule Soromon and Campbell Banks are given ample opportunity to stretch their legs.
Soromon, particularly, will be an important cog in the attack as he has the rapid acceleration to make any defender look semi-pedestrian and the inventiveness to complement his pace.