Ngongotaha AFC chasing first win in Northern League Division 2

Ngongotaha's captain Eamon O'Donoghue and his team are in the hunt for their first win of the season on the weekend. Photo/File

Ngongotaha AFC are poised to take their first three-point haul in Northern League Division 2.

The Villagers take on second-from-bottom Te Atatu AFC at Stembridge Rd, in their third game of the season tomorrow, searching for the first win of their campaign.

Ngongotaha are aiming to push on after a 2-all draw with Onehunga Mangere AFC while Te Atatu have yet to pick up a point and lost 2-1 away to Fencibles Utd last weekend.

Ngongotaha captain Eamon O'Donoghue said opportunities in front of goal were likely to crop up against an opposition that conceded six goals in their opening two matches.

"We feel we are likely to get a win. I think we were unfortunate not to come away with all three points in our last match because in spells it was some of the best we've ever played," he said.

"Letting six goals in suggests a weakened backline, so we must make sure we do the damage up front. We feel confident and are going well. Our mentality has changed to fit into the Northern League and we all know if we're not clinical you don't get too many chances to correct it."

Central defender O'Donoghue said the team would be fully prepared for Te Atatu despite training this week being affected by bad weather caused by the tail end of Cyclone Debbie.

"We've had to stay off the pitch but that's just meant we've had our running shoes on and put in some hard miles on the roads instead," he said. "Hopefully we can get some grass time before Saturday - that will just be dedicated to finishing practice, and also looking at the game tactically on the whiteboard. That aspect is just as important to practice on the pitch."

Ngongotaha will be without main talisman Mitchell Miller who is unavailable and striker Yamil Casas, who scored last Saturday before suffering an injury.

Defensive midfielder Josh Haua returns to the squad after a suspension and up and coming front man Jordyn McKay is set to step up to the mark after he showed promise in the second half against Onehunga.

"With Mitchell and Yamil out it really opens it up. It's great - we want people competing for places and pushing each other. Jordyn has showed some great promise so he might just get that break come Saturday," said O'Donoghue.

Northern League, Division Two fixtures:

Saturday

Ngongotaha AFC v Te Atatu AFC, Stembridge Rd, kick-off 2.45pm.
Northland FC v Albany Utd, Tikipunga Park 1, kick-off 2.45pm.
Mangere Utd v Claudelands Rovers AFC, Centre Park 1, kick-off 3pm.
Papakura City v Papatoetoe AFC, McLennan Park 1, kick-off 5pm.
Fencibles Utd v Waiheke Utd AFC, William Green Domain 1 FT (Football Turf), kick-off 5pm.
Takapuna AFC v Onehunga Mangere AFC, Taharoto Park 1, kick-off Sunday 3pm.