Football: Ngongotaha face tough Cambridge side

BIG MATCH: Rotorua United will play in a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow against Katikati. Pictured is United player George Watson (centre) playing earlier this season. PHOTO/JONATHAN CHEMIS 290514WATSON

Ngongotaha and Rotorua United both have the opportunity to prove they are title contenders this weekend, in their respective competitions.

Ngongotaha will play top-four side Cambridge tomorrow in the Waibop Federation One competition. Meanwhile, United will visit Katikati in a top-of-the-table clash in the Federation Two competition.

Both clubs would like nothing more than to take all three points from the big matches.

Ngongotaha sit fourth on the ladder in a very tight Federation One competition.

The top five sides - AFC Fury, Tauranga City, Cambridge, Ngongotaha, and Tauranga Old Blues - have already broken away from the rest of the competition.

Ngongotaha will know any victories over those top teams will push them closer to the title.

Ngongotaha will also be mindful of their big Chatham Cup match on Monday against South Auckland Rangers.

Although it is only week nine, United can not afford to lose to Katikati this weekend.

Katikati have won all seven of their matches this season while United have won five matches and drawn one.

The two undefeated sides will put everything into this match as they both eye the Federation Two title.

United coach Rich Barter will be stressing to his team the importance of gaining a result in Katikati if they want to win the title.

United captain Lawrie Scott broke his nose last weekend against Cambridge but will play tomorrow.

Ngongotaha's reserve team also have a tough match in the Federation Two competition against Cambridge.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Football draw tomorrow:

Federation One (games start at 2.45pm): Taupo v Tauranga Boys' College, Otumoetai v Tauranga City, Cambridge v Ngongotaha, AFC Fury v Melville, Hukanui Rototuna v Matamata, Tauranga Old Blues v Waikato Unicol.

Federation Two: Katikati v Rotorua United (2.45pm), Cambridge v Tauranga City, Ngongotaha v Te Awamutu, West Hamilton v Papamoa, Tokoroa bye.