Champions still have plenty to play for

Ngongotaha's Mitchell Miller, centre, congratulated by his team-mates for scoring a goal. Club football, Ngongtaha AFC v Katikati FC Ambria. 10 July 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker.

He's scored somewhere in the region of 45 goals this season - including nine in one game - but Ngongotaha striker Mitchell Miller still isn't entirely sure what makes a good goalscorer.

Miller is both his team's and WaiBOP Premiership's top scorer for 2016.

His scoring prowess has been one of the determining factors in his side's romp to the WaiBOP Premiership title - a title they have won with three games to spare.

Miller said the same as most strikers when asked how they score so many goals.

"It's just down to the team and how we've been doing this year. I'm the kind of guy who puts the ball in the back of the net, but the rest of the team get it there," he said.

"Goal assists have come from everyone - everyone has done their bit from the centre backs all the way through."

He has also been the side's main penalty taker.

The 22-year-old scored one of the two goals that won last weekend's game in Cambridge - the victory that clinched the title. He also scored nine in the early season demolition of Tauranga City Utd's WaiBOP Premiership side.

He admits, though, to being a little low on fitness, sometimes waiting for defences to tire before nipping in and scoring.

Miller joined Ngongotaha AFC as a 17-year-old after a short stint at Rotorua United.

Rotorua born and raised, he began playing football at Westbrook Primary School. He wasn't initially a striker.

"I started off as a centre back, then moved to goalie, and realised I was rubbish at those and decided to try striker."

It's been his position since he was at intermediate school, the move coincided with a growth spurt and a realisation that he was a bit faster than a lot of other players. After leaving Rotorua Boys' High School, he headed to Auckland to study, but continues to travel to play for Ngongotaha AFC.

Despite his scoring record, he still enjoys beating the keeper.

"I'm still excited to score. I love being on the scoresheet and scoring in the big games especially is a great feeling."

While the league title is now in the bag, Ngongotaha AFC still have plenty to play for.

They hold the Federation Shield, which is up for grabs each time the holders play at home, which will be on the line again this afternoon.

But more importantly, winning the title has lined up an opportunity to clinch a place in the Northern League next year via a post-season playoff series with the team that finishes second in the Auckland league.

"This week is a big game for us. It's our last home game. If we win or draw we get to keep the shield. Then the last two games are really important leading up to the play-offs - we can't afford to relax or wind down," said Miller.

"A couple of wins and hopefully we can move up - that will be good for Rotorua football."

Today's opponents, Waikato Unicol, are the only team to take points off Ngongotaha so far this season. The teams shared six goals equally when they met at Waikato University.
Ngongotaha AFC will finish their season with away games in Matamata and against Otumoetai FC in Tauranga.

■ Ngongotaha v Waikato Unicol, Stembridge Rd, 2.45pm.