Teams face challenges

Wanganui Athletic's Ryan Nelden finds himself surrounded by Havelock North's Patrick Wall, Jared Bloor and Harrison Gregory during last weekend's hammering at Wembley Park.PHOTO/LEWIS GARDNER

After a week of soul searching and digging deep for answers, both the Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic 1sts and Reserves will be looking to put their hand up and say "we belong here", as they face seemingly insurmountable challenges this weekend in the Lotto Federation League and Western Premiership respectively.

The Athletic Reserves travel to Levin's Donnelly Park today to face Levin AFC in what will be a big physical test for the developing young side.

Levin were victorious in 12 of their 18 matches in last season's edition of the Western Premiership, and recorded a 1-all draw against Linton last weekend, giving them a solid start to their 2016 season.

The Reserves will be hoping to bounce back after last weekend's disappointing 10-0 defeat at the hands of the Red Sox Manawatu A's and know Levin will put up a physical challenge that they may not be able to match.

However, Reserves coach Cliff Hughes will likely be taking a positive approach to developing his charges and preparing them for today's match while ensuring they have been instilled with plenty of self-belief in the talents they possess.

Being up against an overly physical side could work in the Reserves' favour, though, because if Hughes has prepared his side correctly, they could turn what seems a big disadvantage into a clear advantage - letting Levin frustrate themselves and capitalising on those lapses in concentration.

This will be a big test for the Reserves, and a respectable scoreline or a draw will certainly prove they are starting to find their feet in this league.

The Sunday drive up to New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium could well seem similar to the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, as the Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic 1sts go up against last year's Federation League champions Team Taranaki.

Being thumped 12-0 by last season's runners-up and now having to turn around and take on the dominant champions from 2015 in the second fixture of the season could well be seen as the horror way to launch their return to the League, but it's an obstacle the Reds will have to quickly overcome if they are to settle into the competition and start making some headway.

It may simply be a case of looking to keep a respectable score tomorrow, while working on the basics, as Athletic will want to keep morale above the line to build focus on the remaining matches this season and solidify foundations for the club's future development at the same time.