Soccer: Defeats fuel United's fire

A couple of "unacceptable results" has steeled the resolve in the Waitakere United camp to turn things around and get their season back on track, with their cause being helped by the return of a couple of players from long-term injuries.

Martin Bullock, the club's player of the year last season, and goalkeeper Andy Ralph, out of action since a bizarre injury while warming up for the ASB Premiership round-three game against Auckland City in November, will be back for today's home game against Waikato FC.

"We try not to let the heads go down but the players have taken it on themselves to turn things around after results they are far from happy with," said coach Neil Emblen. "We have had chances to score and win those two games we lost. We have to take something from that.

"But a third loss on the bounce could be a disaster. A fourth, in next week's O-League game against Auckland City, and our season would virtually be over."

That was the furthest thing from Emblen's mind a couple of weeks ago when Waitakere were cruising at the top of the premiership table and right in the O-League mix.

Losses to AS Tefana in Papeete and an even bigger surprise in going down to Hawkes Bay United a week ago have threatened to derail their season.

With Auckland City having their scheduled game against YoungHeart Manawatu tomorrow postponed to allow City to play their game against AS Magenta in Noumea on Monday night, Waitakere have the chance to re-establish their six-point advantage with just one to play.

Ralph, with the benefit of a couple of runs in winter pre-season outings, comes in for Danny Robinson who will return to the bench. Bullock comes in for young Tim Payne in what Emblen admits was a tough call.

"Tim was close to our man of the match last week but I want to give Martin [Bullock] some game time ahead of next week's game," said Emblen.

Team Wellington, already assured of third place behind Waitakere and City, are at home to Hawkes Bay tomorrow with the visitors retaining fourth place if they bag maximum points. Canterbury and Otago, who also entertain some play-off hopes, meet in tomorrow's southern derby.

ASB premiership
* Waitakere United v Waikato FC
* Fred Taylor Park. Today 2pm.
* Referee: Peter O'Learyby