Football: Neighbours at footy war

Neighbours at war - TVNZ made a programme about it and tomorrow, Ngongotaha and Rotorua United will live it.

In what Rotorua football fans will be calling the big game of the WaiBop Federation League, Ngongotaha will make the trip around the lake to take on their cross-town rivals, Rotorua United, at Neil Hunt Park.

There is no love lost between the two sides and both have had contrasting seasons. United's record is four wins, six draws and nine losses, a huge turn around from their top-four finish last season.

Meanwhile, the villagers had eight wins, three draws and seven losses in their first season back in division one. They are fourth equal with Whakatane and AFC Fury and, with four games to play, have a chance of securing third place, while Rotorua United are languishing in tenth place and still in danger of being relegated.

There is much more than local bragging rights at stake. It's been a frustrating season for United coach Neil Rush.

"We have trained well and the morale is good but we haven't played to our potential."

Laid-back coach of Ngongotaha, Shane Davis, said his side had a lot to play for.

"We want to finish in the top three, so a win is important."

In other games leaders, Taupo are away to Waikato Unicol, and Claudelands Rovers should account for bottom-of-the-table Otorohanga.

Otumoetai host Old Blues, Melville United are at home to AFC Fury and Tauranga Boys' College meet Whakatane Town.

In the division two challenge, Rotorua United play Tauranga City at Links Ave, West Hamilton host Tokoroa and Cambridge are at home against Matamata.