Football: Taupo can win competition without anger

The WaiBop Federation League soccer title could be decided tomorrow, despite competition leaders Taupo not playing a game.

Hamilton side Claudelands Rovers are the only team able to challenge Taupo for the title.

But Claudelands Rovers will need a win over AFC Fury if they are to stay in the race.

Rovers won their first encounter against Fury 4-1, and Fury - who will finish mid-table whatever the outcome - may lack motivation in what is their last game of the season.

Whakatane Town host Otumoetai at Rex Morpeth Park with both having aspirations of a top-three finish.

Otumoetai won 2-0 when they met earlier but Whakatane have proved hard to beat at home.

Ngongotaha, who are in fifth place on the table, need a win against Melville United at Stembridge Rd tomorrow.

The Villagers, who trail Melville by five points with a game in hand, have been competitive in their first season back in division one but have dropped points in vital games, with home advantage, this time they have the chance to avenge their 1-0 loss to Melville earlier in the season.

Bottom-of-the-table Otorohanga are at home against Waikato Unicol. Although the home side cannot avoid relegation, Unicol will be desperate for three points to ease their relegation worries.

Four teams, Taupo, Old Blues, Tauranga Boys' and Rotorua United will sit the weekend out.

Points: Taupo (20) 55, Claudelands (20) 51, Melville (20) 33, Whakatane (19) 30, Otumoetai (18) Ngongotaha (19) 28, Fury (21) 27, Unicol (19) Old Blues (20) 21, Rotorua (20) 19, Tauranga (19) 17, Otorohanga (19) 5.