Soccer: Auckland keep eyes on the prize

Auckland City coach Allan Jones has one eye on this afternoon's 11th round clash with Otago United but the other firmly on the date a week later with New Zealand Football Championship leaders YoungHeart Manawatu.

"It is important we stay in contention," said Jones whose team is a point behind.

"We would not want to go into next week's game four points out of the lead."

Jones again is struggling to name his starting XI and may not do so until after the pre-match warm-ups at Kiwitea St.

"We have been pretty settled up front and in midfield," said Jones. "But the defence has been all over the place. We haven't been able to put out the same four players at the back two weeks in a row.

"Matt Cunneen and Riki van Steeden both have a bit of a problem so we will have to wait. There is also the chance Greg Uhlmann and Jonathan Perry could be back to go on to the bench.

"I'm also not sure whether James Pritchett will start and [as] left or right back."

Of one thing, Jones is more certain.

"Kiwitea St is not the biggest ground so we know it will be physical. Terry [Otago coach Terry Phelan] has put something extra into them. They are a better side than they were last year."

Jones, reflecting on his team's 6-4 away win over Team Wellington, said Wellington has "good quality players" but "they are struggling" in defence.

Jones happily brought the points home from Newtown Park and is looking for another three today.

"I never care how we pick up the points," said Jones. "So long as we do it."

Hardly surprising that Wellington coach Mick Waitt has rung the changes heading into tomorrow's home game with YoungHeart Manawatu including dropping captain/assistant coach Andy Hedge.

In conceding 12 goals in two games Team Wellington have not given themselves a chance. Unless there is a quick and emphatic turnaround, their season will quickly peter out.

Waitakere United are in a similar situation and will need to turn things around against Waikato FC in Hamilton tomorrow if they are to again be taken seriously.

Losing marquee player Pablo Cardozo has not helped - neither has their shocking disciplinary record which is really hitting home now with players being suspended.

Waikato remain the Jeykll and Hyde outfit. At best, they are a handful for any side. At worst - they are just that.

After successive wins, they slumped to a loss last week and will want to turn that around at home to keep their fading play-off hopes alive.

In the other round 11 match-up, Hawkes Bay United are at home to Canterbury United this afternoon.