United look for revenge and glory

Incentive won't be a problem for Wairarapa United in their Central League football match with Lower Hutt City at Howard Booth Park, Carterton, tomorrow.

There are several good reasons why Wairarapa United should be all set for a top-notch performance.

First and foremost is the fact victory will leave them at worst only one win away from claiming their first Central League title. And it would give them the championship should the other two teams with title hopes, Napier City Rovers and Miramar Rangers, lose this weekend, Napier City Rovers to Olympic and Miramar Rangers to Wellington United.

Secondly, there is the question of revenge. Lower Hutt City are the only team to have beaten Wairarapa United in Central League play this season and that defeat still hurts as it was played on a surface so heavy that postponement must have been a prime option.

Thirdly, Wairarapa United are dedicating this match to one of their most loyal servants Sakeo Valevou, the Fijian international who joined the club some eight years ago and is soon to return to his homeland.

He has mostly played for their seconds team this season but will be on the bench tomorrow and is almost certain to get some playing time. Naturally farewelling him on a winning note in what is Wairarapa United's last home game for 2012 has been made a high priority.

Fourthly, tomorrow's match is the first official fundraiser for a new sporting complex in Carterton which will become the headquarters of the Wairarapa United club.

And then there is the Chatham Cup, the nation's premier knockout competition.

Holders Wairarapa United were frustrated to be eliminated early this time round and a win over Lower Hutt City, who are through to this year's final, would at least help temper that disappointment.

On the playing front the loss of ace defender Waisake Sabatu through suspension is a blow to Wairarapa United but they will still field a formidable line-up.

Interestingly coach Phil Keinzley is considering the possibility of playing usual striker Seule Soromon on the outside of the midfield and having Pita Rabo and Paul Ryder combine up front, and also of playing regular midfielders Miroslav Tvaroh and Adam Cowan in more defensive roles.

A likely starting line-up is: Phil Imray, Miroslav Tvaroh, Adam Cowan, Esava Naqueleca, Tim Schaeffers, Dale Higham, Darren Cheriton, Nathan Cooksley, Seule Soromon, Pita Rabo, Paul Ryder.