United need to be on guard

NOUS: Sam Mason-Smith has attacking flair.PHOTO/FILE

THE unpredictability of their opposition means Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa United will need to be on their guard when they confront Palmerston North Marist in a crucial Central League football match at Memorial Park, Masterton, tomorrow.

Stats suggest the home team should have little trouble picking up three points to remain in the running for their first league title. After all, they thumped PNM 5-0 on their home patch in the first round and are sitting six points (or two wins) ahead of them on the points table at second with 24 points and PNM fourth on 18.

Scrutinise the PNM performances a little more closely though and you see that when they bring their A game they are a force to be reckoned with.

They have beaten the formidable Wellington Olympic unit twice and their last three games have seen them secure three wins and score 12 goals while conceding just two.

Match reports suggest when they get their noses in front early and confidence builds, they can be a hard team to pick up.

With that in mind, the onus will be on Wairarapa United to ensure their defensive structure is right from the word go.

Against Miramar Rangers last weekend, they came from a goal down to win 3-1 but a similar scenario here may have different consequences. Give PNM the chance to unleash the shackles in the opening stanzas and it could be a long day at the office.

However, PNM's defence has not been their strength, with five or more goals conceded on three occasions and if Wairarapa United can provide Paul Ifill, Seule Soromon and Sam Mason-Smith with a steady share of quality ball they have the attacking flair and nous to take full toll of their opposition's deficiencies.

If Wairarapa United draw first blood, it would be no surprise to see the final scoreline resemble pretty much what it did at the end of their first round encounter. Kick-off time is 5.30pm.

Douglas Villa will be desperate to secure maximum points in their Capital division two match with Upper Hutt City at the Park Sportground. A win would go a long way towards building hope that Villa won't be any danger of relegation at the business end of the season.

In Capital three, joint leaders Wairarapa United should beat Petone fourths at Petone Memorial while, in Capital four, Property Law Services Masterton will be expected to have the better of Tawa at Hullena Park.