Coach: We need to be out of the blocks quicker

Rotorua United's Nathan Tina and his side aim to be fast out of the starting blocks in tomorrow's game against SGS Papamoa. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua United must be the "first team out the starting blocks" tomorrow, according to manager Ian Walker.

Fourth-placed United take on eighth-placed SGS Papamoa at home in their 10th game of the WaiBOP Premiership.

Walker's warning comes after a goalless draw last weekend against Waikato Unicol AFC and three previous losses.

But Walker is confident about getting a result if his side attack from the off, despite having attacking midfielders Josh Cave and Menso Van der Lann out through injury.

"We can't be asleep on the whistle anymore. It is hard to be up for every game because it's such a long season but we need to be out the blocks quicker," he said.

"There will be a change in our formation and style because two of our quick speed guys are out.

"But we can play good football and I want us to be picking up the three points."

United have the fourth best attacking and defensive record in the division having scored 20 goals, while conceding 14 in nine matches.

Despite only picking up a point in their last four games, they scored five goals.

United will be looking to find the net against SGS Papamoa who have let in 21 strikes so far in the league - the second highest in the league.

"We clearly do know where the goal is, but at the moment one or two won't be enough to beat sides, " said Walker.

Elsewhere, top of the table Ngongotaha AFC take on second-placed Cambridge FC at home in what could be their most difficult game of the season so far. Only three points separate the two but Ngongotaha have the advantage going into the game as they are unbeaten in the Premiership.

"I know that they are targeting top spot just like us so we have to make sure we use the home advantage," said coach Shane Davis. "We are a positive camp and we'll just be getting our heads down and keep playing the attractive style of football that has been winning us games."

Tomorrow's draw:

WaiBOP Premiership (kick-off 2.45pm) Rotorua United v SGS Papamoa Premiership, Neil Hunt Park 1; Ngongotaha AFC v Cambridge FC Prem, Stembridge Rd 1; Otumoetai FC First Credit Union v Waikato Unicol AFC Prem, Fergusson Park 1; Katikati FC Ambria Premiership v Melville United Prem, Katikati College 1; Matamata Swifts Prem v Tauranga City Premiership , Matamata Dom 1; Tauranga Boys' College 1st XI v Old Blues Prem, Southey 1.

WaiBOP Championship (kick-off 12.30) Ngongotaha Champ v Cambridge FC Champ, Stembridge Rd 1; Otumoetai FC Mens v Waikato Unicol AFC Reserves, Fergusson Park 1; Matamata Swifts Reserve v Taupo AFC Champ, Matamata Dom 1; Hamilton Wanderers Champ v West Hamilton Champ, Porritt Stad 1; Tokoroa AFC Champ v Whakatane Town Champ, Strathmore Pk 1; Te Awamutu Edmond Judd Champ v Old Blues Champ, The Stadium.