Coach calls on Rotorua United AFC to wake up in Loaded WaiBOP Premiership

Rotorua United AFC player Jason Walker, pictured in action last season, is one of only three returning players this year. Photo/File

The second game of the season has already been pinned a must-win for Rotorua United AFC, according to coach Ian Walker.

The local team are up against Tauranga Old Blues Premiership at Neil Hunt Park in the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership tomorrow. United aim to bounce back after a disappointing 4-3 loss to newly-promoted West Hamilton United Premiership while Tauranga are on a high after an opening 3-1 win against Edmonds Judd Te Awamutu Premiership last weekend.

Walker stressed the importance of being ready from kick-off after his side were caught "napping" against West Hamilton.

"For us we have got to be much more on the ball," he said. "The defence weren't ready last weekend and we were hit very hard. We have to go out to give everything and be ready from the start. Nerves may have played a part in our first match but we've all settled down this week."

Walker said training had been affected this week by water-logged pitches at their Neil Hunt Park base.

"We put in some running instead and it's a situation we are familiar with so it doesn't mean it's been a wasted week for us," he said. "I'm happy with the attitude of everyone and we're in a positive mindset."

United are fielding a much-changed team from last season with only three returning players - goalkeeper Andrew Gibbs, centre midfielder Jason Walker and rightback Forrest Dunn.

Walker, in his second season in charge, said his aim was to finish fourth in the table but added early results would play a crucial part in making that a reality.

"We finished sixth last year and I want to better that," he said. "Our next game is also at home so I want to be pushing for the two wins. Getting off to a good start gives you momentum for the rest of the season."

Loaded WaiBOP Premiership fixtures:
Saturday kick-off 2.45pm

Rotorua United AFC v Tauranga Old Blues, Neil Hunt Park 1.
Otumoetai FC v Edmonds Judd Te Awamutu, Fergusson Park 1.
Melville v Matamata Swifts, Gower Park 5.
Cambridge FC v Papamoa Football Club, John Kerkhof Park 1.
Tauranga Boys' College 1st XI v Taupo AFC, Southey 1
West Hamilton United v Waikato Unicol, Weka St 1.

Loaded WaiBOP Championship fixtures:
Saturday, April 8

Rotorua United AFC v Tauranga Old Blues, Neil Hunt Park 1, kick-off 12.30pm.
Otumoetai FC v Edmonds Judd Te Awamutu, Fergusson Park 1, kick-off 12.30pm.
Cambridge FC v Hamilton Wanderers, John Kerkhof Park 2, kick-off 12.30pm.
Tauranga City C v Taupo AFC, Links Ave 1, kick-off 12.30pm.
Te Puke United v Waikato Unicol Reserves, Litt Park 1, kick-off 2pm.
Tokoroa AFC v Matamata Swifts Reserves, Strathmore Pk 1, kick-off 2.45pm.