Tough line taken

Press, 9 August 1985, Page 32

Tough line taken

Christchurch Brother United’s coach, Mr Laurie Blyth, will brook no complacency from his players on the eve of their Le Coq Sportif Chatham Cup soccer semi-final next week-end, when they meet University Cowan in a Rothmans League match at English Park on Sunday. “If I see anyone hiding against University, they certainly won’t be playing in the Cup semi-final,” he said. “There is no room for complacency because of the Cup match.” United would be wise to save its thoughts on the trip north to face Napier City Rovers until Monday.

It will have its hands full against a University side which has shown a determined, dedicated approach to getting itself clear of the relegation area at the bottom of the table.

University’s 1-0 win over United in Auckland early in May started a purple patch for the young team in its

second national league season.

Such was the lift that University now stands two points above United on the table, and one win shy of certain safety. For Mr Blyth, five points in the last three matches will be enough. Napier could reach 25 points, but that is asking for four victories in as many matches.

What United will certainly want to avoid is a last-round showdown, as its opponent that day will be DB Wellington, probably playing for at least second place in the league championship. Russell Cotton, back after suspension, will miss the match, through a foot infection, while David Jackson, the striker who scored the last-minute goal in Dunedin to salvage a valuable point last week-end, is in doubt with an injured ankle. His attacking partner, John Hanson, is laid low with influenza, but has not

been ruled out of the match, which could make or break United’s bid to stay ahead of Napier.

In the other five matches, Napier City Rovers will entertain McKee Nelson United; National Mutual Miramar will face Southmall Manurewa; Masport Mount Wellington will play 4XO Dunedin City; Hani-mex-North Shore will meet NZ Permanent Gisborne in the crunch match at the top of the table; and Landbase Papatoetoe will play DB Wellington.

Hurrican Rangers will win the northern zone Hertz League title if it beats Christchurch United’s reserve team at Rangers Park tomorrow.

The other match of special interest will be at Queen Elizabeth II Park No. 2, where victory for New Brighton over Western would carry it well clear of relegation.