Wairarapa United keeping pressure on

Coach Phil Keinzley expects to pick from a full squad and will definitely seek to continue the type of football produced in New Plymouth last Monday.

In that game, United came from 3-1 down at halftime to blitz Rangers 7-3 with what Keinzley described as the "best football I've seen us play".

"We'll be looking to play as close as possible to that performance" Keinzley said.

However, he was cautious about the game and wary about the opposition.

"We had to come from behind to win when we played at their place earlier in the season" he said, referring to being 2-1 down in that game before winning 4-2. United will be looking to avoid a repeat so training concentrated on tightening up on defence.

"That will definitely be the focus. We're conceding too many early soft goals and putting pressure on ourselves to have to rescue games" Keinzley said.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, fate is again against Wairarapa United in the Chatham Cup draw. Having successfully negotiated the first round, United face Napier City Rovers in another away fixture.

"The gods are most definitely not smiling on us. That's 11 out of the last 12 Chatham Cup games where we've had to travel but it just adds to our resolve to defend the title."

United beat Napier City Rovers for the title last season and nothing is more sure than the Bay team will be looking to get their own back.

"It could be a bit of a grudge game but in truth all the games between us are close affairs. There has only been one goal separating us in each of the last three encounters" Keinzley said. "In the meantime they're having a good season and are doing well in the league. But we'll cross this bridge when we get to it."