Wanderers fight for survival

Chelsea Elliot (centre) will be a key figure for Hamilton Wanderers against Claudelands Rovers. Photo /Grant Stantiall

Hamilton Wanderers premier women's team have two games to save themselves from relegation this season, however, standing in their way are cross town rivals Claudeland Rovers.

A win against Northland FC on the weekend in Whangarei saw Wanderers move from 3 points to 6, with Northland FC themselves on 7. However, it is Wanderers who holds the advantage, as they still have two games against Claudelands, after being delayed due to weather, while Northland's season has finished.

If Northland have any hope to stay up, they would need to see Wanderers not pick up a draw or win against Rovers.

The only other possible scenario they could hope for other than that would be Wanderers picking up a draw in one game, and losing another while also conceding 35 goals to go below Northland on goal difference.

Speaking on the game, Wanderers captain Briana Rose said the team did the hard yards to gain the result.

"We all knew it was a make or break game and we have too much to lose.

"We have an amazing, talented bunch of girls and endless support from our club, supporters, friends and family and that was something that we aren't willing to give up that easy," Briana said.

The team's captain believes the team needs to show that they belong in the league with two wins against their rivals.

"Both games are massive and with relegation looming, we want to win both games convincingly.

"We want to show that we belong in this league and are determined to prove that," Briana said.

Claudelands themselves can still achieve third place this season with two victories over their rivals, a large improvement from last year, where they finished in the bottom half of the table.

The mid-season transfer window saw two Wanderers players head to the red side of Claudelands, one of them being the team's top goal scorer in the previous seasons, Leanna Ryan.

She says the game will deliver if history is anything to go by.

Last year saw one of the games of the season played out at Porritt Stadium with Wanderers winning the game with the final kick of the ball 4-3.

"It's super exciting. If the games are anything like last year they'll be great viewing," she says.

Leanna, who will be coming up against former teammates, does not feel it will play a part on the game.

"It won't be weird. We are a competitive bunch, our goal is to take all the points to move up into third on the table. We are just focused on that and are up for the challenge."

Wanderers will host the first game against Claudelands this Sunday 1pm at Porritt Stadium.