Soccer: A-League loss is a top Plan B

Auckland City player James Pritchett (left) is back from injury to face YoungHeart Manawatu on Sunday. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Pablo Cardozo's much-awaited first start for Waitakere United in Sunday's clash with Team Wellington gives local fans the chance to see what A-League clubs missed out on.

One of the best-performed players in the old Australian national league, Cardozo was not wanted for the new competition. But his talents did not go unnoticed by the West Auckland club, who pulled off a coup in signing the 32-year-old. After missing last Sunday's game in Napier, Cardozo, one of the most prolific scorers in the NSL, cannot wait to return to action.

He will join younger brother Richie and fellow Australian Shannon Cole in the heart of the United midfield/attack against a Wellington side determined to bounce back from their narrow loss in Dunedin.

Cardozo's return is especially timely for Waitakere, who have been stung by the loss of young striker Kris Bright to the New Zealand Knights.

"Losing Kris came right out of left-field," said Waitakere coach Steve Cain. "We are fully behind him in getting this opportunity, but we now have to deal with the loss of one of our best strikers and target man.

"We never thought Kris would not play for us for the whole season. There is not much we can do as we search for a replacement. Even the average strikers have gone to other clubs."

Club chairman Rex Dawkins said they could not look overseas for a replacement as they were restricted to three imports.

"I was gobsmacked when John Adshead first approached us," said Dawkins. "Knights chief executive Steve O'Hara rang me last night to confirm that Kris was joining the club as a replacement for Neil Emblen, who is out until at least December.

"Even if he is released after a month with them, he could not, under NZFC/Fifa rules, play for us or any other non-professional club until after July 1, 2006, as a player can only play for a maximum of two clubs in a 12-month period.

"We had other options to sign strikers, but they are no longer available. We are just hoping someone will come out of the woodwork."

Cain is not getting carried away by his team's 3-0 win over Hawkes Bay United.

"It was a steady performance, nothing more. At times, though, our execution was poor, and we must finish our chances when they are presented or run the risk of getting caught late in a game."

The battle within the battle at Trusts Stadium on Sunday promises to be between Cole and Wellington youngster Sam Peters.

Cole showed a ton of speed in taking the man of the match award in Napier and will test Peters, who was given the tick of approval by coach Mick Waitt after his first-up effort against Otago United.

"Sam was one of our best players and did not put a foot wrong," Waitt said. "I thought he was tremendous and showed huge maturity to come in and play at this level.

"I'm confident we can carry the game to Waitakere, and I'm looking forward to a tussle similar to the two we had last year in Auckland."

Those games ended in 1-1 draws.

In the only clash between first-round winners, Auckland City are away to YoungHeart Manawatu.

City coach Allan Jones will make only one change to the team who beat Waikato FC 4-0, with James Pritchett back from injury to replace Jonathan Perry.

Manawatu surprised Canterbury United with their 1-0 win and will be keen to make it two from two. Goalkeeper Hayden Englefield was busy in repulsing many Canterbury attacks and can expect a similarly hectic time against the strong City attack.

Waikato travel to Rotorua for their game against Hawkes Bay United and, like their opponents, will be keen to bury the memories of a losing first-up effort.

In the battle of the south, Canterbury are at home to Otago United.

All games will be played on Sunday.