We head back to Links Ave Stadium in Mt Maunganui for this Saturday’s ASB Premiership match against Waitakere United in desperate need of points.
Events off the field have been something of a distraction in recent days, with the gloss of our win over Wanderers SC last time out rubbed out by NZ Football’s decision to dock the club three points and impose a significant fine.
Head coach Pete Smith and the entire playing group are, quite naturally, incredibly frustrated. “We performed well against Wanderers, banked a solid win and got our season moving, then that happens. Suddenly we’re bottom of the league,” said Smith on the eve of the Waitakere match. “We’ve had the wind taken out of our sails and I’ll be interested to see how the players react. I’m pretty sure I know what our response will be. We certainly won’t be lacking for motivation, that’s for sure.”
Despite these travails, Smith is looking forward to hosting Waitakere United. “They’re one of the league’s big boys; a power-house club with an impressive pedigree. I always like testing myself against clubs like Waitakere and am relishing Saturday’s game,” smiled Smith. “We have a couple of lads who have played for them in the recent past so that should add some extra spice to the afternoon. Whatever happens I reckon the fans will be well entertained.”
The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday December 6.
The ASB Youth League match between the Bay SportsMed WaiBOP United Youth Team and Canterbury United takes place at Links Ave prior to the ASB Premiership match. Both teams sit on the fringes of the top four so an attacking encounter is on the cards as an important three points is up for grabs. The match kicks off at 11.45am.
If you can’t make it to Links Ave you can follow the game live from our match centre.
