United shoots for title glory

Two huge incentives lie in front of Wairarapa United, as they prepare to wind-up their Capital Soccer men's division one programme, with a match against Wainuiomata at Howard Booth Park, in Carterton, tomorrow.
On the line are the division one title, and automatic promotion to premier division in 2006.
A win over Wainuiomata will very probably be enough for both targets to be achieved, although with Western Suburbs sharing the lead with Wairarapa United on the competition table, the more goals Wairarapa United can score, the safer they will become.
This is because goal difference could decide the competition fate, and while Wairarapa United are currently seven goals ahead of Western Suburbs on that count, who's to say that Western Suburbs won't win their last game against Miramar Rangers by, say, 10 or more.
Wainuiomata currently sit second to last on the points table, but, strangely enough, that's exactly why they should come to Howard Booth Park with all guns blazing.
If they stay in their present position then they will be relegated to a lower grade for next season, but should they win the chances are they would move themselves out of the relegation zone.
For Wainuiomata then survival will be very much on their minds, and if that doesn't spark them into action nothing will.
The worst scenario for Wairarapa United, of course, would be for Wainuiomata to get one or two goals up early on.
That would be a huge boost to their confidence, and it would be an uphill struggle for Wairarapa United to make up the lost ground.
Not surprisingly then, Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley wants his side to hit their straps right from the word go, and by his own admittance that's not something they have been prone to do in 2005.
In a majority of their games their second half effort has been considerably stronger than their first, and the thought of that trend continuing again this weekend doesn't exactly thrill Keinzley.
"The more pressure we can take off ourselves the better, and getting an early lead would be the ideal start in that respect," he said. "We need to be dictating the way the game is played, not them."
At the same time, though, Keinzley is also mindful of his side not becoming too rushed in their play, of being prepared to play the waiting game should goal?scoring opportunities not come along as quickly as they would like.
"Keeping our structure and our composure is vital," he said "We just have to work on the theory if we play well the goals will come."
Having a near full strength side at his disposal is good news for Keinzley, with only Fijian striker Pita Rabo sidelined.
He is on suspension, but if Wairarapa United do go on and win the title his contribution won't be forgotten. In a number of games his ability to score important goals was seen.
It is the two other Fijians in the Wairarapa United squad, Lai Gataurua and Sakeo Valevou, who will spearhead the attack tomorrow.
They were both in goal scoring form against Miramar Rangers last weekend, with Gataurua netting on four occasions and constantly amazing spectators with his skill on the ball. Given even limited space in which to operate he can punish any defence.
The experience of older heads like Andrew Taylor, Murray Burling, Paul Watkinson and Robbie Bull should also be of immense benefit to Wairarapa United tomorrow. Players of their ilk generally come to the fore in pressure situations so the importance of this particular game should bring out the best in them.