Football: Athletic in unlikely rescue bid

Wanganui City's Dylan Howells, right, and his team will receive the Western Premiership after their last game this afternoon. PHOTO/FILE

Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic travel to Hutt Park in Petone today to attempt the near-impossible against Wellington Stop Out in the final leg of their Central League football playoff.

Wanganui City return to Wembley Park to be crowned champions after their Western Premiership dead-rubber against the Palmerston North Marist thirds at 12.30pm.

Last weekend would have taken a massive toll on the resolve of Athletic in their attempt to progress to the Central League in 2015, when the visiting Stop Out squad, in a 4-0 defeat at Wembley Park, easily outclassed them.

After a near-perfect run in the Federation League this season, the loss would have raised questions as to whether they have the personnel to mount the required challenge today.

Five unanswered goals are required, which may have been an achievable goal against a weaker side, but Stop Out look to be well prepared and have the desire to play in the Central League next season.

But the Reds should look to history to see that these seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved.

In fact, they need look no further that the All Whites path to the 1982 World Cup in Spain. The All Whites were in the final qualifying match against Saudi Arabia, with the match being played in away from home in the sweltering heat of Riyadh. They were faced with the unenviable challenge of scoring six unanswered goals to progress.

Playing in the searing afternoon heat on an artificial pitch, the All Whites managed to finish the game at 5-0, sending them to a sudden death playoff in Singapore, which they ultimately won. The rest, as they say, is history.

While it might be a stretch to compare the Athletic side of 2014 to the All Whites of 1982, the lesson there is clear: Never give up.

Wanganui City return to Wembley Park to play for what is a dead-rubber match for them, with the premiership title tucked away weeks ago.

Today may see coach Kelvin Francis dust off the cobwebs from his keepers gloves and take the field, in a small personal victory lap as reward for his efforts this season in guiding City to their title.

With the pressure being off for the 2014 Western Premiership champions, today's match should provide plenty of entertaining football.

City will not shy away from their usual attacking philosophy, and will surely be looking to complete the season on the ultimate of high notes.

At the final whistle, the blue-collar boys will be presented their winners medals and the trophy for winning the league.

So be sure to make you way over to Wembley Park today and show your support for Wanganui football. Enjoy the game and be part of the crowd to congratulate Wanganui City on their achievements this season.