Crucial game for Rotorua women

CRITICAL GAME: Rotorua Utd's WaiBOP Premier division women's side travel to Hamilton to take on league leaders Northern Utd tomorrow. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua United's WaiBOP Premier division women's side face a crucial game tomorrow in the second encounter of the latest round of games.

After 12 games the premier league was split into a four-team first, and a three team second division with Rotorua sitting second in division 1.

Last weekend Rotorua disposed of Melville 4-1 and travel to Hamilton again tomorrow to take on table toppers Northern Utd at Discovery Park. With points carried over into the second phase of the competition, Rotorua sit on 30 to Northern's 31.

In each of the two encounters during the first phase of the competition, wins went to the home side.

"Last time we met was a 5-2 and it was one of those games that everyone has in a season where mentally you just don't turn up," said Rotorua coach Ron Cane.

"I've spoken to the girls and said it's the head that makes the body move and if the head's not there, you're not going to get anywhere."

Cane said he would be comfortable if the game ended in a draw, as the teams would meet again in the final round in what could then be a title deciding game.

"If we get three points (tomorrow) that's fantastic, but the main thing I've said to the girls is we are going there not to lose."

An 11am kick off means an early start.

"It means we have to be up at 7.30am and the long trip is going to have some effect on the girls, but we did it last week against Melville and scored four."

Northern Utd overcame Otumoetai 2-1 last weekend in Tauranga.

■ Rotorua's women's Bay 1 side travel to Kawerau's Tarawera Park tomorrow while Ngongotaha's Women's Bay 1 side visit Awakeri Sportsfield to take on Plains Rangers today. Both games kick off at 12.30pm.