United to give subs a chance

Chatham Cup champions Wairarapa United are taking a relaxed attitude into the last of their central league football matches against Petone at Petone tomorrow.

With Miramar Rangers having wrapped up the league title and Wairarapa United almost certain to finish third for the second successive season, the end result isn't the focus of attention.

Rather Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley intends to give his regular bench players considerable game time and is even considering placing several players in unaccustomed positions, such as having the fullbacks play up front and vice-versa.

"The boys deserve the chance to go out there and enjoy themselves and that's what I will be telling them to do," Keinzley said. "Obviously it'd be nice to end up with a win but it's not a biggie for us."

Tonight will see the Wairarapa United squad honoured for their memorable Chatham Cup grand final success with a civic reception at the Masterton Town Hall, hosted by the mayors of the three district councils, Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa.

The cup has been on display in the foyer of the Masterton District Council buildings all week and has attracted considerable interest from the general public; the vast majority of whom were having their very first look at a trophy which is now in its 89th year.

The win by Wairarapa United has sparked discussion on whether it is time for the cup draw to better reflect the strength of New Zealand club football.

Currently four places go to teams from the Auckland region once the quarter-final stage is reached with two each from the lower North Island and the South Island.

But with central league teams now having won the last three cup finals and seven in the past 12 years some people are calling for that region to have three quarter-finalists, meaning the Auckland region would have three as well.

Not everybody is agreed, however, with those favouring the retention of the status quo pointing to figures which show that of the 127 clubs and schools which entered the 2011 cup knockout, 57 came from the Auckland region, which also takes in Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. In contrast there were 35 from the central region, 28 from the southern region and seven from elsewhere.

Whatever the format, Keinzley is determined his side will be worthy defenders in 2012 and with all members of last weekend's winning squad indicating they will be on deck again that is clearly an achievable objective.

Whether Keinzley will return as coach remains to be seen with him saying he intends to step aside and focus on finding a suitable home venue for the club.