Soccer: Waitakere in bid to go clear at the top

Auckland City FC goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley punches the ball away. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Neil Emblen knows today's ASB Premiership clash with Canterbury United could be season-defining.

Thumped 4-0 at their place in their last regular season meeting, Waitakere regrouped to beat Keith Braithwaite's team 3-1 in the grand final. The teams return to Fred Taylor Park this afternoon as the only unbeaten teams in the competition.

"The loss down there was horrendous," said Waitakere coach Emblen. "They are a team of some quality. It's not just about endeavour any more. If you're not up for the scrap you won't beat them."

Emblen does have other concerns with star striker Roy Krishna under an injury cloud.

"If he's not 100 per cent we won't risk him," said Emblen. "We're off to New Caledonia next week and we want him right for that."

If Krishna is out, Emblen will consider his options and may even change his formation. Emblen's aware of the importance of the game not only as he seeks to continue his long unbeaten home run but, more importantly, the chance to go well clear at the top of the table.

"If we win and other results go our way, we could be eight points clear," said Emblen. "If we lose we could return from New Caledonia and find we've lost our lead. It's that close."

Braithwaite heads north this morning without two stars.

Key striker Russell Kamo, second behind Waitakere's Allan Pearce in the golden boot, is excused to attend his best mate's wedding while midfield general Joe Murray sits this one out after being dispatched for two yellow cards in last weekend's 0-0 draw in Hawkes Bay.

Aaron Clapham will provide the attacking impetus in what's likely to be a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Tomorrow's game at Park Island could be another pivotal affair in the race for the semifinals.

Hawkes Bay United go out against Auckland City two points to the good after four of 14 regular season games. A win for United would give them a decided edge whereas three points for City would pitch them right into contention.

City coach Aaron McFarland is planning to give returning All Whites midfielder David Mulligan some game time.

"He's 50-50 to start," said McFarland. "We want him to take some part. It depends both on how he is and how the game's going. Essentially we'll have the same team who played Otago last Sunday."

Mulligan is key to City's success. Unlike most teams who struggle to convert set play opportunities, that's how Auckland have scored the lion's share of their goals this season.

In today's other game, Waikato FC are at home to YoungHeart Manawatu while Team Wellington travel to play Otago United tomorrow.

Weekend action - ASB Premiership

*Waitakere United v Canterbury United Fred Taylor Park Today 2pm

*Waikato FC v YoungHeart Manawatu Fred Jones Park Today 2pm

*Hawkes Bay United v Auckland City Park Island Tomorrow 2pm

ASB Youth League

*Waitakere United v Auckland City Fred Taylor Park Today 4.15pm

*Hawkes Bay United v Waikato FC Park Island Tomorrow 11.30am