Athletic look to continue league form

Western Premiership league action returns to Wembley Park with both of the local clubs looking to get back to their league work after having Federation Cup encounters against Hawkes Bay opposition last week.

Unfortunately Wanganui Athletic 1sts fell agonisingly short with a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Gisborne United at Napier's Park Island, while City Reserves were even more cut-throat winning by way of a 5-4 penalty shoot-out after finding the score locked 2-2 between themselves and Port Hills United FC at the end of extra time.

So Athletic will look back to their recent league form of two wins from their last two outings, and scoring freely at the same time.

It is no easy ask, however, with league leaders Redsox Rovers coming to town and looking to enjoy their Wembley Park rewards of late when they have left with maximum points on their last visit. Kickoff is 2.30pm.

Wanganui City would rather remember their Cup form, given their league form has been scratchy to be kind.

Palmerston North End Reserves could be just the tonic to get back to winning ways, given they are struggling this season, but City Reserves would be wise to be wary of a side who enjoy the challenge of knocking over higher-ranked opponents.

They play at 12.30pm.

Wanganui Athletic Women also return to league action on Sunday, should weather permit, in the Manawatu when they take on Takaro Maidens.

After a good hit out, which saw Athletic play their way through to a semifinal in the Women's Federation Cup last weekend, continuity will assist the side as they look toward some tough encounters in the not-too-distant future.

There will be that semifinal and also the league separating shortly into their respective pools, which will see the locals alongside some of their tougher opponents in the league.