Woolston needs sustained effort

Press, 27 March 1981, Page 20

Woolston needs sustained effort

By

DAVID LEGGAT

A desire to become a 90minute team could be the spur Woolston W.M.C. needs for its Rothmans Soccer League match against the competition leader, Gisborne City, at English Park tomorrow.

In its last two matches, against Rangers and Dunedin City, Woolston has played outstanding soccer for the first half only to fade after the interval. Against Dunedin City that failure cost it dearly, a 2-0 lead was squandered and a point was lost.

The Woolston joint coach, Mr Kevin Mulgrew, said that the players were bit-

terly disappointed” about their inability to sustain what had been a tremendous first half against the Dunedin side.

For the first time Woolston has a fully fit squad. Predictably, however, no changes will be made for what- will be the team’s toughest assignment to date. Gisborne’s confidence will have risen immeasurably after its fighting, 3-2, win over Mount Wellington last week-end. It is a strong, physical side, and will certainly provide Woolston with a stern test. , Christchurch Mpga] United will hope to end its .goal drought against National Mutual Miramar, at English Park on Sunday.

However, United’s coach (Mr Terry Conley), is: not as concerned as he would be if his -team was unable to create any scoring opportunities,. •

“It is obviously worrying, but it is not as if we haven’t created. anything,” he said. He expects the introduction of David Jackson to the attack, will add strength, but he will be without his best striker, Gordon Faichnie. Faichnie has damaged knee ligaments and is a very doubtful starter. James Margaritis, who ■ missed .the Manurewa. match a fortnight ago through . illness, < is -fit again, which willlenable. lan Park, the United captain, to return to his best position of left back.

- Miramar has . made a good beginning to its first year in the league, with five points from four games. It has a useful defence, but might struggle to penetrate the better defences.

Rangers has been hit hard by injuries aS it prepares for the match against HanimexNorth Shore at Auckland on Sunday. - Neil Francis, Steve Welford, and lan Cowan, are definitely out of contention, while the chances of Gerard Kemp and Paul Glasson being fit. are slim. Glasson pulled a muscle at training earlier .this week, and will receive acupuncture treatment, as will Kemp. John Boatwood is likely to have his first full match in

the midfield, with John Brand and Grant Hughes in the frontline. .

The Rangers coach. (Mr Nick de Meyer) will persevere with the 4-4-2 system he used which earned Rangers its first point of the league, against Hamilton last week-end. But a much-im-proved effort will be needed against the strong North Shore team.

One other match will be played tomorrow, Hamilton being at home to Dunediiis City. Wellington Diamond United's match against Manurewa has been postponed, and the other match on Sunday will be between Mount Wellington and Takapuna City*