United set for top dog scrap

Wairarapa United might be at the top of the Central League points table but they are not resting on their laurels.
This week they confirmed the signing of talented Japanese midfielder Nobuyoshi Ishi, 22, an impressive performer for YoungHeart Manawatu in the National League, and he might even start in the all-important fixture with Western Suburbs at the latter's Endeavour Park headquarters tomorrow.
Wests have the same number of points as Wairarapa United as both have won four of their five matches but Wairarapa United lead because they have a better goal differential.
Confidence that Ishi would be a valuable member of Wairarapa United was expressed yesterday by their player-coach Adam Cowan who has played alongside him for YoungHeart Manawatu.
"He was probably the best midfielder we had, he's got all the skills and works hard."
If Ishi does start tomorrow he will probably replace Scott Robson in midfield with Robson, a star performer this season, moving to fullback. Cowan sees Wests, who also have a number of YoungHeart Manawatu squad members in their side, playing an attacking style of football aimed at breaking down the Wairarapa United defence.
He is confident that challenge can be met, not through using long "kick and hope" balls but by being patient and structured in their approach.
"The important thing is to retain possession and not give them anything loose to capitalise on, we have to do the hard yards both on and off the ball", he said.
"Giving the ball carrier plenty of options is vital, the support play has to be spot on."
Cowan believes too that keeping things simple will be Wairarapa United's best ally from an attacking viewpoint. He says a team of Wests' calibre are sure to be well aware of the threat posed them by the likes of Seule Soromon and Dale Higham if they are allowed to utilise their speed and flair and , consequently, greater profit could come from teamwork rather than individualism.
"Again it's a matter of getting numbers around the ball, that's the key to the whole game".