It's too early in the season to start speaking of must-win games but a good result for North Force against Fencibles United tomorrow at Kamo is vital.
Both sides find themselves stuck in mid-table in the 12-strong league, both have a win and three draws after five rounds and soccer supporters are sure of an intriguing battle.
Anzac weekend had its ups and downs for the Whangarei team. They lost their unbeaten record at Birkenhead on Saturday but moved clear of the bottom end of the table with their first win of season against Mt Albert-Ponsonby on Monday.
North Force need to build on the win and must look to get some momentum going in the league - another draw won't do at Kamo.
A few wins in a row would push them up to the top end of the table in what has become an extemely tight competition. To date there have been as many draws as wins.
Onehunga Sports is the runaway leader of the competition and has yet to surrender a point but rivalry for the minor placings is heating up. A win against Fencibles tomorrow could see North Force as close as a point away from second place.
North Force coach Paul Cross said confidence is high in the team and they know what they must do.
"Anything else but a win is unacceptable for us this weekend. We need to show these teams that when they travel up here they'll have a battle on their hands."
Despite Fencibles' good defensive record, Cross isn't worried about not scoring.
"We always create plenty of attacking opportunities and if we show composure on the ball in front of goal, then we'll continue to score goals at this level," he said.
The plan will again be on concentration in the back third of the field.
"We need to keep doing the basics well and eradicate the mistakes in defence that have cost us so dearly this season."
Cross: Losing unacceptable
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