Waikato FC is in a rich vein of form but have they left their run too late? Team Wellington are still in with a semi-final shout but must win their remaining games to put fourth placed Canterbury United under pressure.
There will be no love lost when Canterbury United and Otago United renew their NZFC rivalry as last season’s also -rans continue their charge toward the semi-finals. Canterbury have two games in hand on both Otago and Wellington and will be eager to complete a rare derby double over their rivals after they won 3-1 on their visit to Carisbrook. Otago will have an eye on maintaining their foothold on third place with a morale boosting derby win the perfect tonic for the NZFC run-in.
Waitakere United’s focus turns to domestic matters when they play host to Hawke’s Bay United at Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai. Hawke’s Bay has never won a match against Waitakere away from home and that will need to change if they are to figure in the semi-final shakedown in the coming weeks. A win for Waitakere will keep them hot on the heels of Auckland City with the minor premiership and local bragging rights to the fore.
Auckland City face a tricky away trip at YoungHeart Manawatu with the defending champions now ten matches unbeaten in the NZFC. YoungHeart’s 2-2 away draw with Hawke’s Bay United ended a five match losing streak but did little to improve their fading play-off chances.
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Story & photo courtesy NZFC.