Soccer: Waitakere facing hard test from Canterbury

Allan Pearce

Waitakere United are already ahead of the eight-ball. The trick for coach Steve Cain and his team is to remain on that path.

In opening with three goals to beat Waikato FC 3-1 in their New Zealand Football Championship opener, Waitakere went way ahead of last season's average of less than two goals a game.

If they are to be the contender this season's odds suggest, they must continue to chase the goals that eluded, and ultimately cost them, last season.

In Allan Pearce they have the striker to lead the way. Backed by the experience Commins Menapi brings, the Danny Hay-led side have the potential to test any defence.

They will not get any tougher tests than this afternoon's clash with Canterbury United at Trusts Stadium.

In 21 round-robin games last season Canterbury conceded a season-low of just 22 goals. More of the same - with Adam Highfield replacing James Bannatyne in goal - will again have the southerners in the frame.

Danny Halligan, lured back to coach Canterbury after saying it was time to quit before the end of last season, has recruited well.

While US signing Nick Van Sicklen is sidelined with the injury he suffered in the 2-1 win over Hawkes Bay, and Scottish striker Stuart Kelly is still out with a foot injury, Nathan Knox has arrived from the States to bolster Halligan's side.

Should veteran midfielder Batram Suri join the game from the bench, he could be confronted by Waitakere defender George Suri in a rare uncle v nephew battle.

Cain has stayed with the squad who got the points at Links Ave, with Hone Fowler, Joel Matthews and Craig Wylie still out with injury.

There is a strong international look to the Waitakere starting line-up with Michael Utting, Hay, Rupesh Puna and Graham and Allan Pearce having played for the All Whites, Suri and Menapi for the Solomon Islands and Jason Rowley for national age teams.

That should be more than enough to be competitive but, as they showed last season, names often did not translate into results.

Auckland City have a tester in their trip to Palmerston North.

Using their "get out of jail free" card to nick a late point in a 2-2 draw with Otago United at Kiwitea St first-up, City will be hellbent on winning again.

Coach Roger Wilkinson has rung the changes with captain Neil Sykes returning from injury to lead the charge. Riki Van Steeden, off the bench, replaces Stu Watene in defence.

Jonathan Smith, not required last week, is likely to be on the bench.

Ace goal-grabbers Keryn Jordan and Grant Young are yet to open their accounts but once they hit form there is the fervent hope among the faithful that City will be on their way.

They will soon welcome a new signing, Japanese midfielder Teruo Iwamoto, 34, who joins them on October 29 and a week later makes his debut at home to Waikato before joining City at the World Club Championships in his homeland.

In other matches today, Otago are at home game against Waikato and Team Wellington play Hawkes Bay United at Park Island.