Pressure on Pikiao to find form

MUST WIN GAME: Pikiao Warriors player Douglas Unuwai and his teammates need to focus against United today. PHOTO/FILE

PIKIAO Warriors must put in a performance for the full 80 minutes, according to coach Henry Lingman.

The sixth placed-side have a tough task against United in the seventh round of the Waicoa Bay premiership today.

Pikiao, have struggled this season with just one win to their name, and go into the game on the back of last week's 20-33 defeat to Otumoetai Eels.

Lingman has pinned it as a "must-win game".

"Unfortunately we don't know a lot about United, they are a mystery team but we must aim for the win," he said.

"I want to see commitment, and a positive performance because if we concede any more losses it will be too hard to peg sides above us back.

"On the whistle the players have to compete immediately and put them under pressure, but importantly we have to keep hold of the ball.

"We have lost games because we haven't focused all the way through. Silly mistakes have cost us, and that needs to stop. We are confident going into this game and I want to see that on the pitch."

Pikiao are the favourites going into the game having picked up 5 points this season with a 52-26 victory over local rivals Ngongotaha Chiefs and a nail biting 24-all draw against top of the table Hamilton City Tigers.

United, although also having just one win to their name with a 24-22 victory away to Turangawaewae, have found it more difficult with some heavy losses including last week's 102-6 thrashing at the hands of the league's first place team.

Lingham wants to take advantage of this and believes his side are good enough to compete.

"I know we can match any side in this division but we are losing because we aren't performing for the full match," he said.

"This season we have about five key experienced players out and maybe this has been why we have been missing some direction on the field.

"However it means I have to look to other younger players, but I think it's great that we can field several 18-year-olds.

"I know we have the potential to keep improving. We just need to make sure we complete our sets, don't drop the ball and have our heads in the game at all times."

Ngongotaha Chiefs, who are currently bottom of the table, have a much needed bye this weekend after losing 44-4 away to Taupo Phoenix last Saturday.

Head coach Joe Taute had some harsh words about Ngongotaha's latest defeat.

"All the boys have to have a hard look at themselves and even have to decide if they want to play. I also have to look at myself and see how I can improve on things."