WaiBOP look to steal march on playoff rivals

AIMING HIGH: Loaded WaiBOP Football look to steal a march on their play-off rivals in the National Women's League this weekend. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED.

Loaded WaiBOP Football look to steal a march on their playoff rivals in the National Women's League as they head south to play the bottom-of-the-table team.

WaiBOP take on Southern United away at Peter Johnstone Park tomorrow ahead of Sunday's key match between Canterbury United Pride in fourth and second-placed Capital.

"I firmly believe that you can only control what you do, so that's why our focus is on performance," explained WaiBOP coach Barry Gardiner.

"With this group of players, if we prepare properly and get our performance to the level we think we can then the result will take care of itself."

WaiBOP go into the game full of confidence, after a comprehensive 4-2 home win over league strugglers Auckland Football last weekend and a previous win and draw, whilst Southern have yet to pick up a point this season.

But the unbeaten side will be without number one keeper - Rotorua United's goalie Amanda Wilshier, who is unavailable for selection, and injured in-form striker Helen Arjomandi.

Despite Southern's poor recent form Gardiner said his side must avoid complacency and was wary of a well organised Southern team.

"Just because Southern have struggled so far does not mean we can take our foot off the gas. Also there are no excuses even though we are travelling," he said.

"Looking back at the tapes Southern are a well put together side and we've made sure to do our homework.

"I really want to see us make a mark in this game. We got potential goals all over the pitch and the team play a good entertaining style of football.

"There's a bit of pressure involved, with everything that's at stake for us. That's exciting though. Let's see how we respond."

WaiBOP have an impressive recent record against the team from the deep south, beating them 4-1 away last summer in Dunedin and 7-1 in 2014 at St Peter's School, Cambridge.

Meanwhile in a bottom-of-the-table tussle, fifth-placed Auckland Football face off against Central Football (sixth) - with both teams looking to get off the mark for the season.

National Women's League- round 5 fixtures:

Saturday:

Southern United v Loaded WaiBOP Football, Peter Johnstone Park, Dunedin (Kick-off 1pm).

Sunday:

Canterbury United Pride v Capital Football, English Park, Christchurch (Kick-off 11am).

Auckland Football v Central Football, Riverhills, Auckland (Kick-off 2pm).

Northern Football - Bye