This Sunday’s ASB Premiership match against Team Wellington at Westpac Stadium is important for both sides as the race to the play-offs heats up. The league currently has a congested look to the top six and three points to either side in this one will be a huge boost and seen as the perfect way to head into the Christmas break.
Head Coach, Peter Smith, knows where his side needs to focus their energy. “Our plan for this Sunday’s match in Wellington will be quite simple – taking our chances and keeping things tight at the back,” explains Smith. “We did neither in our last match against Waitakere United and if we don’t get these two things right we could be in for another frustrating afternoon.”
Smith agrees that results are important for his side at this point of the season. “We’re hungry for our first away win of the season and, to be honest, need it to come this weekend if we’re to stay in touch with the teams at the top of the table,” he said. “Although it’s currently quite tight, too many dropped points at this stage of the season could be fatal in a league with only fourteen games.”
Smith is also excited to be leading his side out at Westpac Stadium. “Not so long ago the All Whites were playing Mexico here in front of a packed house. It’s a great venue and is probably now the spiritual home of football in New Zealand. While I don’t expect the crowd will be quite as large for this match as the Mexico game I’m sure the players will enjoy the experience.”
The match kicks off at Westpac Stadium at 4.05pm.
