The depth of talent in their squad promises to be a major plus for the Wairarapa United men's soccer team this season. That's the word from coach Phil Keinzley after their impressive 5-0 win over University in the last of the pre-season games at Howard Booth Park, Carterton on Saturday. It wasa stunning effort against opposition which beat them twice in Capital division one play last season and earned promotion to the premier division for 2005. And it came despite Keinzley giving several of his "fringe" players an opportunity to show their paces. "We needed to see what sort of depth we had and it seems we'll be really well off in that respect,"he said. "Those players who had to show they had the ability to take the step up did exactly that." Player of the match for Wairarapa United was fullback Evan Shailer who defended strongly and linked well with his attacking players and also taking the eye were sweeper Aaron Spierling, who maintained a high workrate, and goalkeeper Charles Kendall.. Fijian Pita Rabo scored two of the Wairarapa United goals, one from a header and the other when he chipped over the University 'keeper from almost the halfway line. Promising youngster Anaru Te Rangi also scored two goals and the other went to Murray Burling. While delighted with the size and quality of the Wairarapa United win Keinzley is certain better is still to come. "We haven't anywhere near reached our peak yet,"he said. "We've made good progress but there's a long way to go yet". Wairarapa United will kick off their Capital division one campaign for 2005 on Saturday, April 2.
