Intriguing soccer relegation battle

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 20

Intriguing soccer relegation battle

By

DAVID LEGGAT

The three-up three-down relegation system used in the Rothmans Soccer League is regularly, and rightly criticised. But the one thing it cannot be accused of is producing a dull conclusion to the competition. • Last year the teams to be relegated were not found until the final full round, and the same situation applies this season — the last round for most teams being played on Sunday. Newmans Nelson United is already relegated but four teams, Hamilton, Stop Out, Rangers and Blockhouse Bay, are in line for the other two places. The number of variables

which could occur is remarkable. Rangers face a difficult assignment, playing Hamilton at Hamilton. Two players, Malcolm Parker and Alan South, are nursing injuries, Parker’s -hamstring strain causing the more anxiety.

Rangers leave Christchurch tomorrow knowing that it can come home with nothing less than a point — and even that might not be enough. Provided Stop Out is held to a draw by Manurewa, a win by Rangers would make them safe. '

When they beat Hamilton, 3-0, at Rangers Park in April, Rangers produced possibly its best home perform-

ance of the season. South kept a tight rein on Hamilton’s skilful striker, Mike Groom, while the. Rangers mid-fielders and front-run-ners, Parker and Neil Francis, were able to open large gaps in the suspect Hamilton defence.

Another performance of this calibre will be hoped for in what is certain to be a very tough match. Trans Tours United’s manager (Mr Brian Hardman) and his assistant (Mr Terry Mann) appear to face an awkward decision in picking their side to meet Gisborne City at Queen Elizabeth II Park. Allan Boath, who was suspended by the club after

making himself unavailable for the Adidas Chatham Cup quarter-final against Gisborne a fortnight ago, has healed his differences and is in the squad. United’s performance on that occasion against Gisborne was one of its best of the season. Although beaten, 2-0, by Stop Out last Sunday, Messrs Hardman and Mann must be unwilling to change a team which played so purposefully at such a crucial time.

The match, which has a 1.00 p-m. kick-off, will be the last for. the club under the banner of its sponsor of the last five years. Other matches on Sunday are Stop Out v Manurewa at

Lower Hutt, Dunedin City v Blockhouse Bay at Dunedin, Hanimex-North Shore v Newmans Nelson United, and Mount Wellington v Wellington Diamond United, both at Auckland. The crucial match in the Hertz League will be played at English Park tomorrow. Western, after having been heading towards what seemed a fairly comfortable title win, must beat Woolston W.M-C. to be sure of reaching the playoff for the national league.

The other matches in the league tomorrow are Nomads United v CashmereWanderers, also at English Park, and Shamrock v Northern Hearts at Riccarton Domain.