Soccer: Time for Waitakere to show character

Losing key players Keryn Jordan and Chris Jackson to suspension for tonight's key clash against Waikato FC at Waikato Stadium has not done co-leader Waitakere United any favours.

That they must then turn around and play the second leg of a double-header on Sunday does not make life easy for the NZ Football Championship contenders.

Jackson will miss tonight's game but will be back on Sunday to play Team Wellington. Jordan is sidelined for both.

"Obviously we will miss Chris and Keryn. There isn't a team in the championship who wouldn't," said Waitakere coach Chris Milicich.

"I am fortunate, however, in that most of our squad has had game time at some stage of the season. The team that wins the NZFC will do so thanks to a squad effort."

He is under no illusions what lies ahead in the short trip south.

Waikato is the form team and to get anything out of them at the moment will be a big achievement.

In their first game after the Christmas break, Waitakere lost 2-1 at home to Waikato, reversing an earlier 0-3 result for the Hamilton-based side.

"They hold no fears for us," said Waikato football manager James Pamment. "Their players have achieved at a higher level, but while we respect that, these games are all about playing at this level. Having tasted success, our players are starting to feel comfortable at this level."

Not surprisingly, given their five-match unbeaten run, Pamment and coach Declan Edge have stuck with the same line-up with the only variation in bracketing Cameron Jones - back from suspension - with Garry Board at right back.

"It was very important for us to beat Napier at home," said Pamment. "Especially in front of a much bigger crowd. We hope they, and their mates, will be back for this one."

Auckland City continue to lead Waitakere on goal difference with Waikato seven points back in third.

The leaders are at home to Napier City tomorrow afternoon at Kiwitea St in what could be the crucial match of the round - especially if Waitakere get up at Waikato Stadium tonight.

Auckland coach Allan Jones has been forced to make changes with Riki Van Steeden suspended for the match against a Napier side who beat the Aucklanders 4-2 at Park Island just three weeks ago.

Key striker Grant Young is back from his South African holiday but Jones has named him only as a substitute at this stage.

Still without captain and key playmaker Neil Sykes, Jones does hope to have better news on Greg Uhlmann, James Pritchett, Glen Eie and Reg Davani before kick-off.

Napier too have been hit by suspension with captain and defensive general Jonathon Taylor out of this one.

In other action tonight, Team Wellington will look to continue their improved efforts at home to Otago United and Canterbury United have home advantage in their clash with YoungHeart Manawatu who, like Canterbury, are finding times tough.