KEY POINTS:
Roger Wilkinson tags his Waikato FC outfit as a "battling side" but says they are good enough to do the job and can continue with more of what they have shown in their first two New Zealand Football Championship outings.
Those games have resulted in a win and
a loss in a handy start to their season.
"We have played 180 minutes of football and conceded just one goal which is pleasing," said Wilkinson. "We did well against Otago down there. Against Waitakere we weren't as strong as them overall but I felt we should have got something out of it. We had what I thought were a couple of decent penalty shouts in the second half but they came to nothing."
He will be looking for the same battling effort when Waikato take on co-leaders Team Wellington at home tomorrow.
"I haven't seen them play but I have had reports on their games so we have some idea of what we can expect," said Wilkinson.
"I think they will lose a bit with Daniel Ellensohn out [with the All Whites] but they still have Graham Little who I have always rated as a very good player.
"They will be a tough challenge. I feel we can do something but we will have to start a bit better."
Wilkinson is keen to stay in the championship race as he continues his search for a central defender to replace Che Bunce who has agreed to help out for another couple of matches.
"I'm looking in Australia and the United States and hope to have a player here sooner rather than later," said Wilkinson.
At the other end of the pitch, Wilkinson is happy with what he is getting from striker Robert Gill.
"I have known him for a long time. He had an injury-interrupted career in England but has played for Gisborne City and is now doing a good job for us. He is a very good player."
In the same fixture last season, Wellington romped home 5-0. It might not be as easy this time.
The round kicks off in Napier tomorrow with Hawkes Bay at home for the first time and looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Auckland City when they play bottom of the table YoungHeart Manawatu.
Hawkes Bay promised plenty but delivered little against City. Their task will be more difficult without Jarrod Smith which will leave the imposing Sam Messam and Jeremy Brockie to shoulder the attacking workload.
They will again be supported by hardworking captain Graham Fyfe and should have the edge over a Manawatu side who have struggled both on attack and defensively.
Auckland City head to Otago on Sunday and given what they have shown in their three games (including the O-League outing) so far, they should be too strong in all departments for the young southerners.
Given their record so far this season - the only team yet to score and, worse, one that have not won in their last 10 home matches - it promises to be a battle for Terry Phelan and his charges.
History favours Canterbury United in their Sunday clash with Waitakere United.
Canterbury beat the visitors twice at English Park last season but that might not count for much given early season form this time.
Waitakere began poorly against Wellington but picked it up second time out in Hamilton.
Given the impending selection of the team to go to Japan, the visitors have it all to play for and should get home.
They will again be without influential utility Neil Emblen who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
