Soccer: Haviland's desire knows no bounds

HUGE SACRIFICES: Ross Haviland clocks up the kilometres each week to play for Hawke's Bay United. PHOTO/GLENN TAYLORHBT140742-01

Defender Ross Haviland's sacrifices for the Hawke's Bay United soccer side during the past two summers command a final berth.

Like striker Sean Lovemore, Haviland has travelled from Auckland on a Thursday to train and play for Kinetic Electrical Hawke's Bay United before returning to Auckland on Monday to resume work as a factory hand with Lion Breweries. Last season, the pair shared drives when they commuted by car; this season they are flying.

"It's the price we're prepared to pay to play at a high level ... we're fine with that," Haviland explained before last night's training session in the build-up to tomorrow's home leg semifinal clash against Team Wellington at Napier's Bluewater Stadium.

While Lovemore stays with his girlfriend when in the Bay, Haviland stays with fellow defender Danny Wilson.

Haviland, 21, knows those sacrifices alone won't secure an ASB Premiership final berth. He also knows if United can play to their potential a final berth is a realistic target.

"We've shown it quite often ... we're title contenders," Haviland said.

A 2010 national under-17 squad member who missed the final cut for the Nigeria World Cup that year, Haviland is enjoying this season with United more than last summer when he fractured a foot. Since returning to the side in the December 14 home 1-0 win against Canterbury United, Haviland has been one of the Bay's consistent performers.

"I've been injury-free and it's good to get back into things again," Haviland, who had two seasons with Waitakere United before linking up with the Park Island side, said.

Haviland has set travelling to Australia to play for an A-League side as a long-term goal.

"It's a matter of being seen in the right place at the right time."

The Scotland-born Liverpool and Glasgow Rangers fan ranks Liverpool captain and midfielder Steven Gerrard as his favourite player.

"Gerrard is a hard player with a good work ethic. He is also a great captain and a great leader."

And if he could be anyone for a day, who and why?

"David Beckham, he has it all," Haviland replied.

He agreed his work as a factory hand, which sees him lifting kegs and crates on a regular basis, is ideal for fitness.

"I don't have to go to the gym as often as I should," Haviland joked.

When he isn't working, training or playing Haviland is likely to be found playing Fifa on the Playstation. He reckons he is up with the best in the United squad in that form of recreation.

"Sean [Lovemore] is rubbish but occasionally he gives me a bit of competition," Haviland quipped.

Hawke's Bay United coach Chris Greatholder, who described Haviland as "an unsung hero this summer", said it hasn't been difficult to pick his troops up this week after last weekend's 4-1 loss to Auckland City.

"We're an honest bunch, we know we didn't perform at a level we wanted and we don't want to be in that position again this season. We all know it's do or die time now."

Apart from midfielder Harry Edge, who is still recovering from a rib injury and will have to pass a fitness test this morning, Greatholder has no injury concerns.

Team Wellington coach Matt Calcott will miss the services of midfielder Cory Chettleburgh through suspension. Chettleburgh created havoc when Team Wellington walloped United 6-1 in the capital earlier this month.

New Zealand youth international Andrew Blake is on Calcott's injury list but Blake has only been used sparingly this season. While Team Wellington's aggregate score to date this season against tomorrow's hosts is 8-2, Calcott said there won't be any complacency in his camp.

"Those 6-1 and 2-1 wins were round robin stuff. We're in the cup football stage of the season now and anything can happen ... we're not looking too far ahead."

All the ingredients are there for a cracker of a match. Providing the hosts display the necessary urgency on defence, they could produce an upset.