Important game as United look for elusive win

Rotorua United must be "more clinical up front" according to manager Ian Walker when the side go in search of their first win in six games.

The sixth-placed team in the WaiBOP Premiership have a difficult challenge as they take on second-placed Melville United away today.

However they can take some confidence into the clash having won 2-1 in the reverse fixture.

Rotorua United managed to find the net twice last weekend however drew 2-all against Old Blues.

Walker was disappointed not to take all three points and said the side must take their chances or risk dropping more.

"We had a lot of chances to win last game, but we just couldn't put it in the back of the net when we needed it most," he said.

"But the boys are all confident this week and we know we are capable of beating this team.

"Things haven't gone our way of late but I'm hoping luck will begin to roll our way.

I want to see positive play on the pitch and tucking away chances when they pop up.

"Melville are doing well, but things can change very quickly in this division. I'm confident of a good result."

Rotorua United have won five while losing four and drawing two matches so far this season.

Meanwhile Melville come into the game with seven wins, three losses and a draw and are on a four-game winning streak, including last weekend's 5-1 win over Tauranga Boys' College.

Elsewhere, top of the table Ngongotaha AFC look to extend their unbeaten run to ten games when they play against eighth placed SGS Papamoa away today.

Ngongotaha dropped points for the first time last weekend when they drew 3 all against Waikato Unicol AFC away from home.

Coach Shane Davis wants a "dramatic improvement" in performance as his side only secured a point when Harlem Simiona grabbed a last minute equaliser.

"We were incredibly lucky to get out of jail, and I wasn't happy with the result," he said.

"The side have been working hard at keeping their shape in training because that went out the window last weekend.

"We can't afford to drop any more silly points so I want to see a strong, positive performance."

Today's draw

WaiBOP Premiership
(Kick-off 2.45pm)Melville United Prem v Rotorua United, Gower Park 5

SGS Papamoa Premiership v Ngongotaha AFC, Gordon Spratt Park 6

Katikati FC Ambria Premiership v Tauranga Boys' College 1st XI, Katikati College 1

Tauranga City Premiership v Cambridge FC Prem, Links Ave 1

Waikato Unicol AFC Prem v Matamata Swifts Prem, Waikato Uni 1

Old Blues Prem v Otumoetai FC First Credit Union, Wharepai Domain 1

WaiBOP Championship
(Kick-off 12.30)

West Hamilton Champ v Ngongotaha Champ, Weka St 1

Waikato Unicol AFC Reserves v Matamata Swifts Reserve, Waikato Uni 1

Old Blues Champ v Otumoetai FC Mens, Wharepai Domain 1

Taupo AFC Champ v Cambridge FC Champ, Crown Park 1

Whakatane Town Champ v Hamilton Wanderers Champ, Rex Morpeth Pk 1

Tokoroa AFC Champ v Te Awamutu Edmond Judd Champ, Strathmore Pk 1