Football: Relegation nips at Rotorua United

DO OR DIE: Rotorua United have one last chance to avoid relegation in their final game of the season tomorrow. Pictured is Rotorua United defender Sam Robinson (right). PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 230613SP21

With Tauranga's AFC Fury lifting the trophy last weekend in the Waibop Federation League, all attention turns to the relegation battle which centres around Rotorua United and two other clubs.

United have never been relegated from the Waibop Federation League but will be guaranteed the drop if they lose this weekend against second-place Tauranga Old Blues.

United, who sit bottom of the table, had a chance to lift themselves out of relegation last weekend against cross-town rivals Ngongotaha but slumped to a 5-2 defeat.

However, there is still a slight piece of hope for United who could still escape the drop if they win tomorrow in their final game of the season.

The two clubs directly above them - Otumoetai and Melville - only sit one point above them and have worse goal differential.

However, Otumoetai and Melville, who have the bye this weekend, also have one game left against Tauranga Old Blues and Taupo respectively.

The bottom two sides will face the drop.

The Rotorua United match kicks off at 2.45pm tomorrow at Neil Hunt Park.

Meanwhile, in the other matches this weekend, Tauranga City host Waikato Unicol, Matamata host Taupo and Whakatane host Cambridge.

Ngongotaha, who sit in fourth spot, have the bye this weekend but could finish as high as third if they win their remaining two games.

Ngongotaha have had a good season this year, looking likely to challenge for the title midway through the season.

AFC Fury (Tauranga) also have a bye this weekend.