Keeping the good feeling going after winning comprehensively last Saturday will be the aim of Wanganui City's Federation league side as they host title-chasing Redsox Manawatu at Wembley Park this afternoon.
A year ago these two sides met at the same venue and there was a title on the line.
City prevailed easily with a 4-1 win to take out the Western Premiership and reduce today's opposition to a distant third place.
While no title will be decided today, there is still plenty on the outcome for Redsox a slip and it could well be all over for any opportunity to overhaul leaders PN Marist.
And with no love lost between the clubs this afternoon, City would not only be happy to advance their own cause but to stifle Redsox.
They consider the corresponding first round match a 4-1 loss for City flattered their opponents somewhat at Palmerston North's Memorial Park this year.
Had City converted their opportunities from a wealth of attacking possession early in the piece, the scoreline could have gone the other way and their current sixth place in the standings would have been much improved.
But the onus is on today's effort, and City will be well aware of the attacking threats from Redsox namely Dane Cleaver and Wanganui lad Jerram Tuck.
As often this season, the team City is playing comes into the game fresh after sitting out a bye.
Aside from their goalless draw against Team Taranaki, Redsox have been a free-scoring side, they have the most goals in the league with 24, and apart from Palmerston North Marist they are the meanest side in defence.
City themselves are not far off with 21 goals, but are conceding far too many this season.
So for player/coach James Oxtoby, it will be in his mind to get the basics right at the home side's defensive end and then build on some of the good attacking work that has developed over the last few outings.
With Tuck's good friend Anthony Bell back and looking to regain his goalscoring form (two last week), it makes for an entertaining fixture. Oxtoby and manager Glenn Graham won't particularly care whether or not their team plays pretty football if they can get points from this afternoon's outing.
