United prospects good

Press, 16 June 1983, Page 32

United prospects good

The absence of four key players is unlikely to prevent Christchurch Mogal United advancing into the fourth round of the Adidas Chatham Cup, when it meets Cashmere-Wanderers in the postponed third round tie at English Park tonight. The four members of the New Zealand squad, Grant Turner, Allan Boath, Frank van Hattum and Johann Verweij, will not arrive back in the country until this evening.

However, such is the strength of United’s squad that players such as Stuart Chalmers, who have not appeared in the Rothmans League this winter, can be slotted in without much disruption to the playing pattern. United’s captain, Paul Hillis, and the veteran midfielder, Kees Doornenbal, are the only doubtful starters. Hillis, the right back, has a groin injury while Doornenbal has the flu.

United's manager, Mr Terry Conley, has introduced three promising youngsters to the squad for the match, the goal-keeper, David White, and two midfielders, Simon Ireland and Andrew Rutledge. Cashmere has two capable goalscorers in Mark Smith and Graham Ford, but they will have to take every chance which comes their way if United is to be eliminated at the first Cup hurdle of 1983.