Soccer: Auckland derby promises fireworks

Auckland City striker Paul Urlovic is out for four weeks after breaking his hand last week against Christchurch United. Picture / Fotopress

Waitakere United coach Chris Milicich is backing his side's solid defensive record to get them through what promises to be a testing New Zealand Football Championship clash with Auckland City today.

The Kiwitea St stand-off comes just three weeks after the fierce rivals last met. In that game City banged three into the United net. Those three goals were half the number conceded by the West Aucklanders in nine matches.

"We have had five clear sheets but that alone does not win you games at this level," said Milicich. "To win you have to score. We haven't been doing that."

Without their "go to" man - championship sharpshooter Keryn Jordan, who is still sidelined by injury - Milicich is looking elsewhere.

"I don't care where they come from or who gets them," he said. "Without Keryn the onus is on our centrebacks to get forward at set plays or for our midfielders to do something.

"Against Napier last week we controlled huge chunks of the game but at the end of the day that counts for nothing if you don't score.

"Daniel Ellensohn had two good chances but a lack of experience cost him."

With the transfer window set to open next week and with Milicich looking to bring in four players, the pressure will be on.

"The players are aware of that," said Milicich. "They know four players could be dropped from the squad. I expect them to respond accordingly."

The intimate atmosphere at Kiwitea St promises to make it a great occasion.

Both teams have enjoyed their moments in the early rounds. Waitakere shot to an early lead, which City have now pegged back.

Waiting in the wings are unsung Otago United, who could leap into the lead if the "big show" ends in a draw and they, as expected, topple Manawatu.

Auckland City have been impressive particularly when going forward.

They have played some enterprising football, especially when using width and pace.

Their workmanlike midfield has won plenty of ball - and scored goals - with Liam Mulrooney's four complementing the 11 netted by front runners Paul Urlovic and Grant Young.

But Urlovic will be missing today. He broke his hand in last week's draw in Christchurch and faces four weeks on the sideline.

He has been replaced by lively Papua New Guinean Reg Davani with James Pritchett, who passed a fitness test, joining him in the starting lineup.

The 10th round will be completed with three matches tomorrow with most interest in Team Wellington's bid for a second win, and first at home, against struggling Waikato FC.

Suggestions Waikato goalkeeper Michael Utting might miss the game through injury could help Wellington's chances as they chase a repeat of the winning effort against YoungHeart Manawatu last week.

"The last two weeks have been very satisfying in terms of results for us," said Wellington coach Mick Waitt, who can look back on a 1-1 draw with Waitakere and the 2-1 win at Manawatu.

Wellington will be without suspended Michael Wilson leaving Waitt to bracket Darren Cheriton and Michael Woodside in midfield.

Injuries have also taken their toll on Canterbury United, with influential midfielder Ben Sigmund facing a long break with a troublesome knee.

United should, however, be too strong for Napier.