Football: Win will be twice as nice for United

Rotorua United will try to defend the Federation Challenge Shield this weekend. Pictured is Rotorua United keeper Forest Dunn, right. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua United's game against Matamata Swifts will be of double importance this weekend.

United will not only go in search of precious competition points in the WaiBOP Premiership, but they will also look to defend the Federation Challenge Shield.

United won the shield last weekend away to Otumoetai (1-0) and will put it on the line tomorrow, during their home match against Matamata at Neil Hunt Park.

United are 10th in the premiership 12-team competition, but a win would see them move to mid-table.

Ngongotaha have their focus on the Chatham Cup this weekend and have no game tomorrow in the WaiBOP Premiership.

Ngongotaha will travel to Auckland on Monday to play Northern Premier League side Three Kings United, during round two of the Chatham Cup.

Meanwhile, Cambridge are the leaders in the WaiBOP Premiership and have a chance to move further clear of second-placed Ngongotaha with a win tomorrow.

They play Papamoa at home and will be hunting for another three points.

WaiBOP Football draw for Saturday:
Premiership (2.45pm): Melville v Tauranga Old Blues, Cambridge v Papamoa, Katikati v Otumoetai, Rotorua United v Matamata, Tauranga Boys' College v Tauranga City United.

Championship: 12.30pm: Cambridge v Te Awamutu. 2.45pm: Claudelands v Matamata, Whakatane Town v West Hamilton, Kawerau v Ngongotaha, Tauranga Old Blues bye.