Ngongotaha one step away from Northern League (+video)

Not since the late '90s has Rotorua been able to boast a men's football side in the coveted Northern League - something that Ngongotaha AFC are just one step away from. The Villagers take on Lynn Avon United tomorrow at Parrs Park, Auckland, for promotion to Division Two of the competition next season, with a crucial 2-1 first leg advantage.

Ngongotaha coach Shane Davis said it was the "most vital game" of his own and each player's career and for the future of football in the community.

"This is the most important game for football in Rotorua, not just our club," he said.

"I believe we could comfortably play in the Northern League, so now it is just about how much each player wants it.

"This is for the future generations- we want to create a stepping stone for young players in the area.

"At the moment a lot of talent is leaving Rotorua to play at a higher level but if we can offer Northern League football then we can develop that potential."

Davis said the key to victory would be a "composed mental state of mind" from his players and clinical finishing which evaded them in the first leg until a dramatic late double from in-form striker Mitchell Miller.

"Nerves could certainly play a big factor so we need to make sure we get the mental aspect right," he said.

"United frustrated us last time and they were winning the mental side of the game for the majority, we can't afford to do that again.

"We need to create chances and take them. We don't want to leave anything left in the tank and we have to step off the field with no regrets."

The Villagers will be at full strength but Davis admitted to being wary of an "experienced" United side, relegated from the NRFL last season, who they must face on an artificial playing surface.

"Technically we are the superior side but United have a vast amount of experience and they certainly used this to their advantage last time around," he said.

"The experience was clear to see in their goal- they had one chance and they took it, whilst we fluffed a few.

"We aren't used to the different surface but I'm hoping to use it to our advantage.

"The pass should move around quicker which would suit our pass and move style of play."

United are no stranger to having to dig deep after losing their first four games in the AFF/NFF Men's Conference this season. Coach Jim Booth and his side finished as the league's in-form side - losing just once in their last 16 games.

And United's assistant coach Peter Sellars insisted his players were quietly confident ahead of their final vital match.

"It's only half time for us. We have a few players coming back so it's a different ball game," he said.

"We know what we have got coming and the team is used to fighting 90-minute battles week in week out.

"That's what we're strong at and that's we will be prepared to give it everything."

NRFL Division Two Playoff series

Leg 1:
Saturday, October 1, Stembridge Rd, Rotorua.

Ngongotaha AFC 2 Lynn Avon United 1

Leg 2:
Saturday, October 8, Kick-off 2pm, Parrs Park, Glen Eden, Auckland.

Lynn Avon United v Ngongotaha AFC