Soccer: Games crucial at both ends of table

It's a critical weekend for both Rotorua teams in the WaiBop Federation League.

Ngongotaha have to bounce back from an unexpected loss to Matamata Swifts last weekend when they meet Whakatane Town at Stembridge Rd, tomorrow at 2.45pm.

Whakatane won the first encounter 5-2 and, although they were beaten 4-0 by Tauranga City last weekend, they will pose a threat for the Villagers.

With new competition leaders AFC Fury likely to account for Matamata Swifts, Ngongotaha need three points to stay a point behind in second place on the ladder.

At the other end of the table, Rotorua United, who are struggling to avoid relegation, are away to Tauranga Old Blues, who put seven past Waikato Unicol last weekend.

United will take confidence from last week's 3-2 win over Taupo but this will be a big ask.

In other games, Taupo host Melville who won the first encounter 2-0, Cambridge will be favoured to beat Otumoetai, and Waikato Unicol are at home against Tauranga City.

Division two games tomorrow: Cambridge v Tokoroa, Old Blues v Rotorua United, Tauranga Boys' v West Hamilton, Hukanui Rototuna v Matamata, Te Awamutu v Papamoa.