PHOTO/FILE
It could be the one weekend that gives Wanganui soccer something to really smile about in season 2013 and a group of young women who were unknown in April are determined that it will be so.
Entering the Manawatu Women's League for the first time at the start of the year, Wanganui Athletic women's coach Dave Downes laughs now about how when he did the ring-around to find possible sponsors, there was not much enthusiasm.
Five months later with the League title sewn up, a Federation Cup final to play and potential Central League berth on the offering, Downes' phone has been ringing hot with the polite business inquiry "so, can we give you a hand?".
A big busload of supporters will be joining the team for their jaunt up to Hawera this Sunday to play fellow unbeaten team Moturoa AFC women the team from New Plymouth also travelling as Turuturu Park was considered a fair compromise for two teams playing each other for the first time.
With Athletic goes the hopes of Wanganui soccer after a year where the men's Wanganui Athletic and Wanganui City Firsts could not replicate past glories.
Wanganui City Reserves were not strong enough to down Havelock North in their men's Federation Cup semifinal last Saturday, losing 4-1.
Downes said women's Federation Cup success could be a shot in the arm for the sport locally.
"It will be great, not just for our club, but for Wanganui women's soccer."
Key to success will be the form shown by Athletic's veteran German connection as former Football Fern Ella Wiebe (39 goals) and Tanja Grunworld (32 goals) have been the strike weapons in 2013.
But this is no two-horse team the pair have laid a platform from which several youngsters have exploded.
Vanya Hodgkinson received extra training sessions after being singled out by Central Football, and will be going forward for trials with the New Zealand age group teams at the end of the season.
Rose Lockett and Grace Alifi have had excellent seasons, while on attack or defence the three Kahl sisters Sheena, Toni-Lee and Jordy have earned respect.
Local soccer expert Simon Butters is expecting a tight affair given Athletic and Moturoa have yet to taste defeat in 2013.
"The marked difference between the two remains the Wanganui side's attacking stats.
"With all due respect, the calibre of the Taranaki women's league is little known.
"So while the Taranaki lasses have come nowhere near Athletic's staggering 146 goals, little will matter as the two sides begin their 90 minutes to take home another piece of silverware for either.
"The possibility remains, should the scores be even, that extra time and then the dreaded penalty shoot-out may come into play."
Kickoff will be about 1pm.