Wellington United’s chances hang loose

Press, 6 October 1988, Page 52

Wellington United’s chances hang loose

Wellington United’s poor defensive record this season in the Air New Zealand national soccer league should give the title-hunting Christchurch side heart for its important clash in Wellington this afternoon. Wellington, which finished third last year, has disappointed this season and its loose defending has probably been the main reason. It has conceded 47 goals in 24 games, a record that puts it only better than the three bottom sides, Manurewa (63), Manawatu (66) and Nelson United (55). On a more positive note it has netted 55 times, third only to Christchurch and Mount Wellington, allowing it to climb to sixth place. On one of its best days it is a threat to any side in the competition, a fact Christchurch is well aware of having slipped several times in recent years against the Barrie Truman-coached side. Christchurch, three points clear of Mount Wellington with two rounds left, needs at least a draw with Wellington to keep its title hopes alive. It meets Gisborne City in its final game at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Sunday and, hopefully, will need only a draw to clinch a second successive championship.

Christchurch eased to a 3-0 win over Wellington in the first round with goals by Keith Braithwaite (two) and John Hanson. The only change to the Christchurch side which drew 0-0 with Mount Wellington last Saturday is in defence, where Mike Fullen replaces the England-bound Ceri Evans. Fullen has had an excellent year for the reserve side and should slot into the first 11 without any problems. The only upsetting factor for the coach, lan Marshall, has been the switch in kick off times from 6 p.m. to 4.45 p.m., the game being transferred from Petone to Newtown Park, which does not have floodlights. Mr Marshall has not been happy with the congested schedule at the end of the competition, criticising the New Zealand Football Association for the timing of the Australia versus New Zealand series which has disrupted the closing rounds of the competition. A likely Christchurch team is:— Alan Stroud, Paul Hillis, Garry Lund, Fullen, Kevin Calder, Danny Halligan, Keith Braithwaite (captain), Steve Sumner, Paul Nicholls, John Hanson, Allan Carville.