Ngongotaha AFC can climb ladder with win over Albany

NET FINDER: Ngongotaha striker Mitchell Miller leads the race for the golden boot in NRFL Division 2. PHOTO/FILE

With several experienced players out injured, Ngongotaha AFC will field a side low on experience but full of talent when they travel to Albany today.In their first season in the Northern Regional Football League second division, Ngongotaha are in eighth place with two games to play, while Albany sit in 10th with five less competition points.

Depending on how other results go, Ngongotaha could climb as high as sixth if they can pick up a win today.Last week they played third-placed Northland FC and despite losing 3-1 they put in an admirable performance with a handful of secondary school pupils in the starting team.

This week Ngongotaha will be buoyed by the return of striker Mitch Miller, whose ability to put the ball in the old onion bag sees him leading the race for the golden boot with 19 goals.

Coach Shane Davis said he expected the game against Albany to be "a struggle".

"We've got injuries, a couple are working, I'll probably have to play a lot of younger players again. I think it's that time of the year.

"George Watson has injured his rib and Harlem [Simiona] still has a bad ankle. They are big holes to fill, those two.

"Mitchell being available is a big bonus, it's good to have him back," Davis said.

While being without some of the team's top players made it harder to pick up wins, it was a valuable opportunity for the younger players to gain experience in the division.

When the sides met in round 10 they drew 2-all.

"They're not a bad team actually, they're pretty strong all over the park.

"I just want them to go out there and enjoy playing footy, it's a good experience for them. A lot of the older guys help the younger ones out when they're on the field which is really good," he said.

The game kicks off at 3pm.

Meanwhile, in the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership, Rotorua United host Melville at Neil Hunt Park, kick-off at 2.45pm.