SOCCER - Kamo's goal-scoring king recovers for cup battle

The news is good for Kamo ahead of tomorrow's United Soccer One Federation Cup final, with goal-scoring guru Steve Schimmel back on deck for the game.
Schimmel, who has scored 44 goals for the club in all competitions this season, has recovered from a groin strain that threatened to sideline him from the club's biggest match of the season against Auckland side Forrest Hill-Milford.
The striker has been running this week to prepare himself ahead of what is expected to be a taxing struggle for the trophy.
"This game is going to be a big challenge for us but we're fairly confident we have the team to take them," Schimmel said.
Forrest Hill won the US1 First Division this season and the Auckland club will now try and earn entry into the US1 Premier League - the same league North Force compete in. Obviously another trophy will help their cause when it comes to lobbying US1 bosses for entry to the invitation-only league and they will be out to win at Kamo Recreation Ground at an earlier than usual 12.30pm kick off.
Schimmel said he had enjoyed playing for Kamo in the Northland Premier League this year after deciding to take a year off from playing for North Force.
"I decided to take a year off because I didn't want to travel and it's been a fun year for me playing up front ... but if I'm still in New Zealand next year, I'll be back playing for North Force," he said.
Kamo co-coach Paul Cross said Schimmel's presence on the field would be invaluable in what he is predicting will be a close game.
"You don't score close to 50 goals without being dangerous. Most defences can't handle his pace and creativity on the ball and while most strikers have only got one of those qualities, he's got both and so he gives defenders nightmares," Cross said.
He will partner Sammy Oso up front in what should be a lethal combination.
Forrest Hill-Milford have recruited players this season in an effort to gain promotion and should be a step-up again from the Waitakere United side that finished in second-place in the US1 first division competition, that Kamo beat 3-1 in the cup semifinal.
But Cross said his own squad had several players with Northern League experience and they wouldn't be scared about taking the game to the visitors.
"We're quietly confident but also looking forward to a good, close game and that's because, if we're honest with ourselves, we've made pretty light work of some of the teams in the premier league this year," he said.
Kamo are Northland Premier League Champions and are still unbeaten in competition this year and hope to remain that way.
They received a bye into the semifinals of the Stafford Choat Cup because of the final on Saturday. Bream Bay received a semifinal spot by ballot, while FC Whangarei Development play Madhatters tomorrow and Tikipunga and FC Whangarei Force also clash to find the other two semifinal teams.