Baker in doubt

Press, 18 May 1984, Page 26

Baker in doubt

Christchurch Brother United’s goal-keeper, Steve Baker, is in doubt for Sunday’s Rothmans Soccer League match against Papatoetoe at Queen Elizabeth II Park.

Baker, who joined United this season from the top Isthmian League club, Leytonstone and Ilford, was injured last Sunday in United’s 5-2 win over McKee Nelson United. He collided with the Nelson striker, Cameron McBride, and suffered severe bruising on his left shin. United’s coach, Laurie Blyth, yesterday said Baker’s prospects of being fit to play are “touch and go.” If he does not recover sufficiently, David White will take his place.

However, the goal-keeper possibly excepted, Mr Blyth will field an unchanged lineup. His front six players worked impressively as a unit against Nelson, and it was heartening to see the defenders eager to get forward whenever possible. Papatoetoe is likely to offer sterner resistance than

Nelson. The New Zealand goal-keeper, Frank van Hattum, played for United last winter, and will be keen to prove a point in front of the Christchurch crowd. Tony Sibley played 72 times for his country and remains an efficient defender.

In Billy McClure, lan Masson, Alex Metzger and Colin Tuaa, Papatoetoe can boast four past or present internationals. All four are adept in the midfield or as strikers and should give United’s defence, which became a shade casual on occasions against Nelson, plenty to think about.

In the other five matches, Manurewa will play Hani-mex-North Shore, Mount Wellington will meet Wellington Diamond United, Napier City Rovers will face Dunedin City, National Mutual Miramar will play Gisborne City and McKee Nelson United will be aiming for its first points of the competition when it meets University Cowan. Rangers and CashmereWanderers, the two top teams of the Hertz League,

will meet in the perfect finale to the opening half of the competition at English Park tomorrow.

Rangers head the table by a point from Cashmere, which has won its last six matches, after suffering two early losses. They have been boosted by the transfer of Mike Poole from Woolston W.M.C. during the week.

Poole should bolster the striking power of a team not renowned for heavy scoring. His switch of clubs means he will play Cashmere three times in the league this season — once for Woolston in the opening round, and twice for Rangers. Rangers have developed the happy knack of winning, even when playing below their best. That fact alone gives Cashmere a difficult task. In the other league games, Shamrock will meet New Brighton, South Canterbury United will play Nomads United, Woolston will face Christchurch United’s reserves and Western will meet Burndale United.