Reserves face tough clash

With Wanganui City sitting out their scheduled bye for the Federation League after a good couple of weekends' work of late, the focus shifts to the other echelons of Wanganui football this weekend.

Similarly for City's Federation side, the Wanganui Athletic 1sts (men's) team have a postponement due their drawn opposition playing in the Manawatu-based Easter Cup.

In fact, the only travelling league fixture spectators can take in today will be Wanganui City Reserves up against one of the sides that has been a thorn in their collective sides over the last few seasons in the Takaro Titanz.

City's Western Premiership side maintain a healthy second place in the league standings, even after sitting out the bye last week.

Coach Steve Welch will be hoping his side can repeat their first-round result which saw them win 4-3 on the road a return victory at least for the locals will reinforce their own ambitions in the title picture.

Just four points separate leaders Redsox Rovers (17 points) from fourth-placed Levin AFC (13), who respectively are sandwiching Redsox As (15) and City (16).

The 2.30pm kick-off on Ground 1 should be a test for the hosts as Takaro usually bring a physical approach. The side that handles ground conditions best should prevail.

Sunday saw another convincing win for the Athletic Women in the Manawatu League.

The 9-0 score against the Hawks further enhances an extraordinary goal differential for the side with a huge 107 goals scored so far this season.

The North End Women's Reserve team will be dreading their Hokuwhitu Park match this weekend with the Wanganui side looking to continue on their scoring way as the teams sort out their respective groups come the end of round robin play. Athletic are all but cemented in that top-four group with games in hand.

Also closing out round robin play this weekend will be the local men's competition. Two groups of six will split after this weekend to play another two rounds.

With the top four of City Hammers, Marist Celtic, City Development and Athletic Cosmos already guaranteed top six status, the interest moves to the sides contesting the final two positions.

As goal differential and points are currently in the favour of the three Castlecliff teams (Gold, Braves and United) only Athletic Weekenders in reality have a shot at the last spot. That will depend on results with United (C/C) up against Marist Celtic, Gold will probably hold a slight advantage given they only need to draw against clubmates Braves to secure their place.

Marist Casuals, looking to get off the mark this season, may well fancy their chances against a City Thirstys side.