Soccer: Emblen's men feel the heat

Waitakere's Jack Pelter, right, could be recalled to face PNG's Hekari United. Photo / Greg Bowker

Waitakere United won through to the O-League final with a last-up 2-2 away draw with old rivals Auckland City.

Coach Neil Emblen would happily settle for more of the same in today's tough first leg against Papua New Guinea champions Hekari United.

Emblen is fully aware of the challenge facing his team in what promises to be difficult conditions in front of a big and boisterous crowd this afternoon.

The Hekari side, stacked with Solomon Islands and Fijian internationals, impressed with their win in Group B and go into this match determined to take the points from a win which would set them up for the return leg at Fred Taylor Park in a fortnight.

"It's so important to win this game because the second leg will be difficult," said Hekari assistant coach Tommy Mana who, like coach Jerry Allen, is a Solomon Islander.

There are six Solomon Islanders in the Hekari squad, including Henry Fa'arodo and Alick Maemae - players Emblen is all too aware of - plus two Fijians and local stars David Muta and Kema Jack.

The two clubs have never met but Hekari's imports, including Fijian Tuimasi Manuc, will be familiar with Waitakere's style of playing having played in finals in 2007 and 2008, when Waitakere won the O-League crown with good return-leg victories after losing in Honiara and Ba.

It is Waitakere's poor away record which gives the Papua New Guineans real hope.

Emblen admits he will need to go into the match with a change of tactics.

"Obviously, we want to win but I will settle for any draw other than 0-0," he said.

"I hate looking at our goals against this season and that is something we have to address. We have to defend better - all over the park - if we are to have a chance.

"We know the Solomon Island boys play short, neat football in tight triangles, so we will need to be strong and patient and be ready to counter-attack when the opportunity arises.

"The heat is going to be a real factor. Our players are not used to playing in 30C-plus and 85 per cent humidity. For that reason, Allan Pearce, who struggles in the heat, probably won't start."

While he has yet to settle on his starting line-up, it seems likely Emblen will go away from his normal 4-4-2 formation to strengthen his defence.

That could mean a recall to the starting XI for Aaron Scott, who could join youngsters Tim Myers and Jack Pelter and Jason Rowley in defence, with Emblen pushing forward into midfield with Martin Bullock in the absence of regular captain Jake Butler, who is serving a one-match suspension.

Emblen is keen to make use of the height advantage his team will enjoy, especially at set plays, but only if the delivery, which has been poor in recent outings, is up to standard.

Waitakere flew to Port Moresby, via Brisbane, early yesterday and trained in the afternoon at the match venue - a rugby league ground, to get accustomed to the conditions and kick-off time.


O-League final:

* 1st leg: PMRL Stadium, Port Moresby

* Today, 4pm (NZ time)

* Referee: Gerard Parsons (Australia)