United U19s look to prove a point

Wairarapa United under-19s will be looking to prove a point when they play defending champions Petone in their Ivor England Trophy soccer match at Carterton on Sunday morning.
In what is their debut season in the major section of this competition Wairarapa United started well with a handsome win over Waterside-Karori but Petone will provide a much better gauge of their ability to foot it with the stronger combinations at that level.
"It's a real test match for us, it's our chance to show just how competitive we can be in this age group," Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley said.
A plus for Wairarapa United is they will have the services of Aaron Spierling, Anaru Te Rangi, Kota Maeno and Anton Ross, all of whom were part of their senior squad which looks certain to win Capital Soccer's premier division title.
But they will have to do without their first choice goalkeeper Brendon Walker who is on a school trip. He will be replaced by Leighton Calkin.
Keinzley expects Sunday's game to provide an entertaining brand of soccer with both teams likely to place the emphasis on attack.
"It's a great chance for locals to see some of the very best young talent in the Wellington region in action, hopefully they will take advantage of it," he said.
For the Wairarapa United seconds Saturday's encounter with Lower Hutt, also at Carterton, could prove crucial as they battle to avoid relegation from the Capital Soccer third division series.
Going into this game Wairarapa United have a one point advantage over Lower Hutt near the bottom of the table and whoever loses will be in trouble in terms of retaining their current status. Kick off is at 2.30pm.