We hit the road for the final time this season when we visit Bluewater Stadium in Napier on Sunday to face play-off bound Hawkes Bay United.
After the disappointment of losing to the Wellington Phoenix last Saturday, a loss that ensured we cannot finish in the top four, the team will be looking to perform well against one of the league’s most consistent sides.
Head coach, Peter Smith, believes it’s important for the team to finish the season positively. “I’ve said several times that I think we’re a play-off team and I still believe that,” said Smith prior to heading south. “But the table doesn’t lie so we have to live with that. It’s important, however, to finish well so we end up as high up the table as we can. We’ve made progress in many areas this season, but if we pick up another loss or two then the stats will say we haven’t.”
Smith always enjoys his visits to Napier. “Bluewater is a top venue and the people down in Napier always look after visiting sides off the field, if not on it,” smiled Smith. “We’ve lost three in a row to Hawkes Bay United so I’m keen to get something down there if only so I can get that monkey off my back. It won’t be easy, though. Brett’s done a good job with what’s essentially a new team and they’ll be wanting to mathematically guarantee their play-off spot in this match.”
The match kicks off at 3pm at Bluewater Stadium, Napier, on Sunday March 8.
