Defence key for Ngongotaha AFC against Papakura City

Ngonogtaha AFC's captain Eamon O'Donoghue will have a key role to play in defence this weekend. Photo/File

Tightening up in defence is the main focus for Ngongotaha AFC ahead of a crucial game against Papakura City.

Ngongotaha travel to take on their seventh-placed opposition at McLennan Park tomorrow on the hunt for their first win of the season.

The Rotorua team will be pleased to be off the bottom of the table after a thrilling 5-all draw with Mangere United at home midweek gave them their third point of the season.

Captain Eamon O'Donoghue stressed a solid defence was a must against Papakura.

"This week we've worked on our defensive shape. We were a bit disappointed at conceding so many goals at home in the week and we don't want to leak so many goals in the future," the central defender said.

"We won't change anything drastically with our formation - we just need to keep it tighter and more controlled."

Ngongotaha coach Shane Davis added: "We need to plug our defence. We've got a young backline and it has been a big step up for us this year. We've just made too many mistakes - choosing the wrong option at the back and going for impossible balls. We just need to go for the safest option and clear it when needed."

The Villagers will pose a significant threat up front with in-form frontman Mitchell Miller scoring a hat-trick in each of his last two appearances and the return of striker Josh O'Sullivan.

"Mitch has been outstanding recently," said O'Donoghue. "He really lifted his game and just keeps finding the back of the net. Josh will also add a lot of experience."

Papakura come into the game on the back of a 4-0 loss to Fencibles United - their third defeat of the season. They've managed two wins and a draw.

"We've not sure what to expect," said Davis. "We'll stick to the same system, Mitch seems to have solved our problem up front - we just need a strong defence now."

Northern League, Division Two fixtures:

Saturday

Kick-off 3pm

Waiheke Utd AFC v Te Atatu AFC, Onetangi Sports Complex 2, *kick-off 2.45pm.

Papakura City v Ngongotaha AFC, McLennan Park 1

Mangere Utd v Takapuna AFC, Centre Park 1

Claudelands Rovers v Northland FC, Galloway Park 1

Papatoetoe AFC v Onehunga Mangere, Murdoch Park 1

Fencibles Utd v Albany Utd, William Green Domain 1 FT (Football Turf), *kick-off 5pm