Football: WaiBOP prepare for tight tussle

IN THE CHASE: Loaded WaiBOP's Kim Maguire (pictured earlier in the season) and her side look to continue their positive start. PHOTO/ GRAEME BLAKE.

The National Women's League passes its midpoint tomorrow with three fixtures that will all have a large impact on the playoff race.

Loaded WaiBOP will be looking to maintain their title push when they take on third-from-bottom Auckland at home.

WaiBOP go into the game full of confidence after recording a win and a draw in their first two fixtures of their campaign, including last weekend's impressive 4-1 win over Central.

WaiBOP coach Barry Gardiner said the visit of Auckland would be a real test of the team's progress so far this season.

"We've performed well and are still unbeaten, but if we're serious about making the playoffs then we need to pick up a result on Sunday," he said.

"We've played well in patches in both our games so far. Last Sunday at Central I thought we knocked the ball around well and stuck to our game-plan, particularly during the first half.

"We will be looking for more of the same against Auckland but for more sustained periods."

WaiBOP have had some tight tussles with Auckland over the last few summers - drawing 0-all in 2015 and going down 3-2 in 2014 and 1-0 in 2013.

"Sunday's game could be another close encounter," said Gardiner. "Auckland have already played the teams occupying the top three positions in the league but have failed to pick up any points so far this season. They'll be hungry."

Meanwhile, reigning title holders and current league leaders Northern Football host third-placed Canterbury United Pride at the QBE Stadium in Auckland.

And second-placed Capital are home to bottom-of-the-table Southern United.

Sunday's Fixtures

National Women's League- round 4:

Northern Football v Canterbury United Pride, QBE Stadium, Auckland. (1pm kick-off)

Loaded WaiBOP v Auckland, John Kerkhof Park, Cambridge. (1pm kick-off)

Capital Football v Southern United, Memorial Park - Petone, Wellington. (2pm kick-off)

Central Football - bye.