Football : Season at stake for United

BIG CLASH: Rotorua United will host Katikati tomorrow in a massive game for the club. Pictured is Rotorua United striker Shadley Petersen (right). PHOTO/BEN FRASER A-280713BF16

It is "death or glory" this weekend for Rotorua United, who are in a tight race for promotion.

United are currently in second spot on the Waibop Federation Two ladder and need to hold off third-placed Papamoa to gain promotion into the Federation One league.

United will host undefeated side Katikati tomorrow at Neil Hunt Park at 2.45pm.

United coach Rich Barter said they needed to defeat top-of-the-table Katikati tomorrow to keep their fate in their own hands.

"It is death or glory, it is an absolutely must win.

"Basically the whole of the season climaxes here," Barter said.

"If we lose, [promotion] is totally out of our hands. It is everything this season has been about in one game."

Barter said Papamoa were right behind them on the ladder.

"In a nutshell, we have the same number of games left as Papamoa and we are one point ahead of them. That means we have to match whatever they do."

He said if they lose to Katikati tomorrow, then Papamoa would also have to lose one of their final three games.

"We can't play for the draw [tomorrow]. We are going to attack. We are going to set up to defend in numbers and attack in numbers."

Katikati have already won the Federation Two title and have recorded 14 wins from 14 games this season.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha will host Tauranga City tomorrow at Stembridge Rd. Tauranga City are currently in second spot on the Federation One ladder while Ngongotaha are fifth.

Both sides will be hungry for a win. That game gets under way at 2.45pm.