Soccer: Plenty to play for as United face Villagers

Rotorua United meet Ngongotaha AFC in the Rotorua derby tomorrow. Pictured in action are United player Doug Stanaway (left) and Ngongotaha's Dane Willemson. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua United have never experienced relegation in the club's six-year history but could face the drop if they lose this weekend to their cross-town rivals.

As fate would have it, Rotorua United play away to Ngongotaha AFC tomorrow, in their second to last game of the season.

United currently languish in 11th place on the 12-team Waibop Federation League ladder but a win tomorrow at Stembridge Rd could see them escape the drop.

The club are one point away from safety, with Melville just above them on the table.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha have secured their playing rights for next year's competition, after a great first half to the season saw them in contention to win the league.

A run of poor results in recent weeks has seen them drop out of the title race but the club can still finish as high as third if they win their last two games.

When the two teams met earlier this season, Ngongotaha came away victors 4-2.

The local derby kicks off at 2.45pm tomorrow, at Stembridge Rd in Ngongotaha.

In other games, the title race heats up tomorrow with the top two sides facing off in Tauranga.

AFC Fury currently sit in top spot and a draw this weekend would be enough to see them win the league.

However, if second-placed Tauranga Old Blues can upset them tomorrow it would make for a grandstand finish in the final round of competition.

Meanwhile, Cambridge host Taupo, Tauranga City host Melville, Matamata host Waikato Unicol, and Whakatane host Otumoetai, who are also fighting relegation.

Federation division two games:

Cambridge v Te Awamutu, Tauranga City v Papamoa, Tauranga Boys' College v Rotorua United, Hukanui Rototuna v Tauranga Old Blues, West Hamilton v Tokoroa, Matamata.