"Remember Tawa."
Those are the words that will be ringing in the ears of the Wairarapa United players as they take the field for their central league football match with Maycenvale United at Hastings Sport Park on Sunday.
Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley sees Maycenvale United as being a similar team to
Tawa, who had an upset win over Wairarapa United some three weeks back.
"They are way behind us on the points table but that counts for nothing. They are a good side who grow another leg when they are playing at home," Keinzley said. "Tawa caught us off guard and they'll be looking to do the same thing."
Skipper Pita Rabo is a doubtful starter for Wairarapa United through a knee injury. But returning to the action after missing the Miramar Rangers match last weekend will be reliable midfielder Scott Robson, who has recovered from his sprained ankle.
If Rabo is unable to take the field the prospects are that Campbell Banks will play as a lone striker, with Seule Soromon and Dale Higham on the flanks, Adam Cowan, Nobuyishi Ishi and Robson in midfield, Carl Shailer, Nathan Cooksley, Waisake Sabatu and Pablo Moya at the back, and Matt Borren in goal.
Keinzley expects Maycenvale United to play an expansive style of football aimed at fully utilising the goal scoring capabilities of experienced striker Leon Birnie, while their defence will be marshalled by James Oxtoby, who was a member of the Wairarapa United squad last season.
