Ngongotaha AFC expect 'tough test' against Waiheke

OVERSEAS: Ngongotaha AFC will be without captain Eamon O'Donoghue, who is in the US, when they take on Waiheke United on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE

With the rest of the competition taking a break, Ngongotaha AFC have the opportunity to continue their climb up the Division 2 ladder.

They will have to produce one of their better performances, however, as they take on second-placed Waiheke United AFC in a catch-up game at home tomorrow.Waiheke are yet to lose a game this season and come into this one on the back of a clinical 3-0 win over Takapuna.

If Ngongotaha can claim victory they will leap-frog Claudelands Rovers AFC into sixth place and still hold at least one game in hand over each of the teams above them.

It would also be Ngongotaha's fourth win on the trot in what has been a superb run of form despite being hit hard by injuries.

Manager Stephen Towers said tomorrow's game would be a "tough test" for his side.

"Their side is mainly made up of South American players, they will be comfortable on the ball and I imagine very technically good.

"However, if we can close them down quickly and not allow them time on the ball like they would like, I think we can be a match for them," Towers said.

He said playing Waiheke was one of the highlights of the season.

"They will bring an army of noisy fans with them and they create a great atmosphere with the banging of drums and whistles."

Ngongotaha have had to rely on the depth of their squad a lot this season with a host of players being unavailable with injuries, illness and for personal reasons.

This week they will be without their captain and leader Eamon O'Donoghue, who is in the USA.

"We also miss Luke Barker, who had an innocuous knock a few weeks ago, but it is turning into a long-term injury.

"Hopefully that is all we are missing."

Last week Ngongotaha beat bottom of the table Papatoetoe 2-1 in a game they could have won by more had they been more clinical with their finishing.

They will need to take their chances this weekend against a Waiheke side who will punish any mistakes.

Meanwhile, in the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership Rotorua United play Cambridge FC at home.