Soccer: Quake overshadows Canterbury United preparation

Canterbury United coach Keith Braithwaite admits "football is the last thing on our minds right now" but that does not mean he and his players will not give today's rescheduled match with Auckland City their best shot.

Postponed from last Sunday, the game is the last chance for the visitors to claim the fourth spot in Sunday's ASB Premiership semifinals but Braithwaite is under no illusions about the task facing the club.

"But really, given what we have been through down here, you don't know just what the state of mind among the players is," said Braithwaite, who spent much of yesterday trying to find out which players will be available for the trip to Kiwitea St.

Canterbury must win today to push Hawkes Bay United out of fourth place and thus book a semifinal with minor premiers Waitakere United, who cannot be caught by City even if they win this last regular season fixture.

"The rules state you must field your strongest team and we are endeavouring to do that but already I know we will be without our captain Dan Terris. He works for the city council and there is no way he can get the time off," said Braithwaite.

"Tuesday was the first time we got together since the earthquake and even then we only had 10 players. We had to train in secrecy at a club ground as all council grounds are closed.

"It's all ifs and buts at the moment and we are trying our best but when you go to players and tell them they have to be on a flight at 12.30 and won't be home until 11.30pm it's not easy.

"I honestly don't know at this stage who will be in our starting XI."

City co-coach Aaron McFarland has a better idea but he, too, will be missing a couple of players. Daniel Morgan faces up to five weeks out after injuring a knee against YoungHeart Manawatu while Adam Dickinson and Alex Feneridis are set to be rested as they sit on three yellow cards and will not want to risk a fourth which would take them out of Sunday's away semifinal against Team Wellington.

"We have to field a good team and will do that," said McFarland. "We will be pretty close to full strength. We are looking at a ninth win in a row. We want to maintain that momentum."

ASB PREMIERSHIP

Auckland City v Canterbury United.

Kiwitea St, 5.30pm today.