Focus on vital O-League decider on Wednesday

Waitakere United achieved the required victory and three points in their NZFC clash with Hawkes Bay at Douglas Field on Saturday but must immediately turn their attention to a clash with bigger consequences on Wednesday night at the same venue.

The O-League clash with Auckland City is effectively a semi-final with the winner progressing on as Group A winners to a home and away final to decide the champions of the Confederation and earn a trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

Waitakere does have a slight advantage in that they can afford to draw the clash and still win the group, but Head Coach Chris Milicich says that will not enter their minds in the lead up to Wednesday.

“It is a dangerous thing to think that way, it can automatically lead to a negative mind set and that is not how you defeat Auckland City. We will go into the match as we do any other, with the intention of winning. The way we set up and the quality of the players that we have it is almost a given that we will push into attacking positions and threaten opposing teams, it is how we play our best football.”

Milicich does however have the utmost respect for Colin Tuaa’s side and is wary of a backlash after two wins and a draw in three clashes so far this season.

“They are a good side and capable of victory if we let our guard down and don’t perform to our best. They will be hurting I’m sure and have nothing to lose in this one. They are away from home and have their backs to the wall; we must be on our game.”

Waitakere will have the services of Danny Hay, Benjamin Totori and Neil Emblen, all of whom are either serving or have served suspensions in the NZFC. Those suspensions do not carry over into the O-League (and vice versa) meaning Milicich has a full strength squad to choose from.

Waitakere United Executive Chairman Rex Dawkins hopes for a big turnout from local fans and encourages all parents to bring their children along to see a high quality game with some big names in action.

“This quite frankly is as good as it gets in club football in New Zealand. There is so much riding on they game, we have a great stadium for the fans and some wonderful players on show.

“People might not realize or take it for granted but we have two players with English Premiership experience (Hay and Emblen). Add to that the likes of Darren Bazeley and internationals such as Benji Totori, Commins Menapi (both Solomon Islands) and our own current or former internationals in the likes of Allan Pearce, Graham Pearce and Jason Hayne to name a few. Auckland will bring plenty to the table as well in what looms as a wonderful occasion.”

The match kicks off at 5pm with gates open at 4pm.

O-League Group A

Waitakere United v Auckland City

Wednesday 2nd April

Douglas Field, Trusts Stadium, Henderson

5pm KO

Gates open at 4pm