Wairarapa United should retain their position at the top of the Capital division one men's soccer competition when they play Wainuiomata at Wainuiomata tomorrow.
Wainuiomata have scored just the one win this season and despite having the home advantage should be outgunned by a Wairarapa United side whose record from five matches is an impressive four wins and a draw.
The draw came against a Western Suburbs side strengthened by the addition of two central league players on Anzac Monday.
It was not one of Wairarapa United's most convincing performances with a goal in the dying seconds saving them from their first defeat.
Coach Phil Keinzley said retention of possession, especially in midfield, had been the main source of concern for his side and he is keen to see a much sharper effort in that area tomorrow.
" The focus has to be on protecting the ball?.we want to show that we have the ability to keep it for long periods," he said. "It's all about maintaining concentration and being patient, of not trying to force things too much."
Keinzley is mindful too that Wairarapa United will commence their Chatham Cup campaign the following week and that to do well against the stronger opposition they will meet there they will need to be more structured in building their attacks.
" We'll need to be more deliberate in the way that we move the ball, " he said. "We have to keep mistakes to a minimum."
That Wairarapa United have the front runners to make life miserable for the Wainuiomata defence tomorrow cannot be doubted.
Fijians Sakeo Valevou, Pita Rabo and Lai Gataurua have already made a big impact with their silky skills and Keinzley says the best is still to be seen of them.
"They are getting better game by game," he said. "They are very exciting players and the more influence they have on a game the better for us."
United may have edge on Wainui
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.