Waitakere embark on make or break O-League journey

Waitakere United travel to Tahiti on Friday to take on AS Manu Ura in their Group A O-League clash, one that will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the group.

Put simply, Waitakere cannot afford to lose or drop points against the Tahitian champions knowing they have a tough away clash against Auckland City to follow next Wednesday night. The West Aucklanders already trail City on goal difference and cannot afford to go behind on points also.

Head Coach Chris Milicich says his players are experienced enough to know what to expect on match day.

“This is a huge test for the players but is now one we are used to after our travels in the O-League and to the Club World Cup last year. We know what to expect in terms of home town support and have no doubt that AS Manu Ura will be fired up to perform well in front of their own fans.”

The only change to the side that thrashed Hawkes Bay 5-0 in the NZFC last weekend is that of Graham Pearce’s inclusion as cover for Paul Seaman, the midfielder is not eligible to play in the O-League.

The turnaround both before and after the game is tight with no time to hold a training session of any consequence, let alone prepare at the match venue. But again, Milicich says his side must simply get on with the job.

“Timing is tight with no training at the venue prior to the match so we will have to adapt quickly to the new surroundings. Tactically we must approach this as a genuine ‘away’ match and will set out our stall accordingly for the first half hour. It is my belief that we can and will achieve dominance in the game but we must first establish a good platform to let our attacking players shine.”

Match Details

O-League Group A

Friday February 15th 2008

AS Manu Ura (Tahiti) v Waitakere United (NZL)

Kick off 8.00pm Friday 15th, local time (7pm Sat 16th NZT)

Match Officials

Referee Benjamin WILLIAMSON ( AUS)

Assistant Referee 1 Tevita MAKASINI (TON)

Assistant Referee 2 Michael MOUARII(COK)

Fourth Official Norbert HAUATA (TAH)

Referee Inspector Charles ARIIOTIMA (TAH)

Squad of 16 (list in chronological order): 1 Richard Gillespie, 2 Jonathan Perry, 5 Danny Hay, 6 Darren Bazeley, 7 Jason Hayne, 9 Benjamin Totori, 10 Allan Pearce, 11 Neil Sykes, 13 Daniel Koprivcic, 14 Hoani Edwards, 15 Chris Bale, 16 Neil Emblen, 17 Jake Butler, 20 Jason Rowley, 21 Graham Pearce, 22 Simon Eaddy,

Changes from last game

In: Graham Pearce

Out: Paul Seaman

Injuries (type of injury): Shane Pascoe (knee), Mikael Munday (knee) both long term, Commins Menapi (groin) 4 to 5 weeks