Defence under microscope

Curbing the enthusiasm of their defensive unit could be a recipe for success for Wairarapa United as they mount their challenge for Capital Soccer's premier division title in 2007.
Sitting fifth on the competition table, just four points shy of leaders Petone, Wairarapa United are still well placed to justify manager Phil Keinzley's claim they are the most skilled of the 10 participants.
But Keinzley himself agrees their trend of conceding just about as many goals as they have scored - 10 for and eight against - needs to be rectified if they are to fulfil their potential.
And with that in mind it will be the defence who come most under the microscope when they take on cellar dwellers Brooklyn Northern United at the Pugh Sportsbowl in Masterton this coming Saturday.
The message to them from coach Pita Rabo and manager Keinzley will be that they need to adopt a more safety-orientated approach than they have been doing in recent games.
"Obviously there are times in any game where the defence players can become involved in attacking situations but we need to curb our enthusiasm in that regard," Keinzley said. "We need them to realise that once you've gone a goal up you don't need to take undue risks by chasing another."
Keinzley said his team's defensive concerns were not caused by any lack of individual skill, rather it was a case of most of the defensive unit being converted from the midfield and still getting to grips with the requirements there.
"They're used of pressing forward when on attack but if they do that from, say, the fullback position they leave gaps in behind for the opposition to exploit, and at this level they are very quick to do that," he said.
Keinzley says the fact Brooklyn Northern United are yet to win a game and have conceded 22 goals while scoring only three themselves didn't mean Wairarapa United could take victory this weekend for granted, far from it in fact.
He said BNU would have taken confidence from their strong effort against Lower Hutt City United last weekend, when they lost by just 4-2, and would be coming to Masterton with an "everything to gain and nothing to lose" attitude.
"It's just the type of game where if you concede a soft goal or two you could find yourself in big trouble," he said.
"The matches you are expected to win often prove the hardest and so it's important the focus is spot on. Winning is the priority, not winning by plenty."
Aiding the Wairarapa United cause is their ability to field a full strength side with injuries or suspensions playing no part in the selection process.
Talented Rathkeale College student Anton Ross is sure to be one of the first names on the team list after a series of outstanding performances at left half.
One of the smallest players in the premier division, both in terms of weight and height, Ross has consistently impressed with his fitness, speed and skill and his two goals indicates he is no mug when scoring opportunities come his way either.
The premier division points table is: Petone 14, Waterside-Karori 13, Tawa 13, Island Bay United 13, Wairarapa United 10, Kapiti Coast United 7, Lower Hutt City 7, Western Suburbs 4, Upper Hutt City 4, Brooklyn Northern United 0.