Soccer: Out to silence the 'fat lady'

All eyes will be on tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash between Auckland City and Waitakere United but tonight's Newtown Park scrap between Team Wellington and Waikato FC has even more hanging on it.

Victory for the visitors would end Team Wellington, and all other team's, chances of making the top three playoffs whereas a win for the home side would ensure some tantalising battles in remaining New Zealand Football Championship rounds.

Waikato FC, who have had their efforts since the Christmas break recognised with co-coaches Declan Edge and James Pamment being named as coach of the month, continue their role as the quiet achievers.

In going nine games unbeaten since a surprise 2-0 home loss to Otago United in early December, Waikato have seen off allcomers - including Auckland City and Waitakere United (twice).

Despite this success, Edge and Pamment have maintained a relaxed approach, often allowing their players to "do their own thing" rather than coming together for tedious training sessions.

At times the squad has been split in two - this a team divided by the Kaimais - with one group winding down in a pool session in Hamilton, the other having a kickaround and swim at Mt Maunganui.

"If you just train, train, train it gets a bit boring," said Pamment. "We'll keep it nice and fresh. Besides if we took our Tauranga players over to Hamilton on Monday as well, it would mean three nights' travelling a week."

Waikato travel south without suspended Sam Wilkinson and injured duo Clinton Boyle and Steve Callinan, but are otherwise at full strength.

Needing just three points out of nine to guarantee their spot in the big three, Waikato would like to get that out of the way.

Team Wellington coach Mick Waitt and captain Andy Hedge want no part of that.

"This is last chance saloon and the 'fat lady' is warming her vocal chords on the side of the stage," said Hedge. "Each and every player in the squad is desperately trying to stop her singing. A win in this one will delay her at least another week."

Waitt is able to put out an unchanged side from the starting XI who did so well against Auckland City but could not beat.

The record book suggests City just have to turn up to win and complete a three-from-three record over Waitakere United. Reality might prove different despite the generous TAB odds.

The west Aucklanders have scored just one goal in the derby matches, losing 3-1 at home and 1-0 at Kiwitea St - the venue for tomorrow's clash.

With all-important home advantage for the grand final at stake, City coach Allan Jones is keen to wrap that up. He is not so keen, however, on having the final as the "be all, end all" match of the season.

"New Zealand's representative in the Oceania club championship should be the winner of the league [the NZ Football Championship] not a one-off final," Jones said.

Having said that, Jones is as keen as ever to see his team get through this one and almost certainly book home advantage for the "biggie".

Losing defender Shane Pascoe - he had his leg broken in two places during the 2-1 win over Team Wellington - has not helped but Jones is confident he has the necessary cover.

Not surprisingly he has stuck with the rest of the players who did so well and have won their last three and stretched the unbeaten run to five.

Waitakere coach Chris Milicich is still without captain Sean Douglas and has given young Malcolm Wakefield his chance alongside Dean Tallentire in defence.

Gerard Davis is again named in midfield.

After playing an hour of United's last two matches, Davis should be ready to go the distance this time. That might prove crucial to their chances.