Waitakere United Host Waikato on the Shore

Waitakere United play their ‘home’ match against Waikato FC at the North Harbour Stadium Outer Oval on Saturday, a move necessitated by the re-sowing of Fred Taylor Park.



After a 3 game week with plenty of travel last week, Waitakere Head Coach Chris Milicich says his side has enjoyed a week at home.



“Last week was one of the toughest weeks any football team will face in New Zealand with overseas and domestic travel and away matches against two of the best teams in the country (Auckland and Hawkes Bay) but we came through with flying colours.



“We are still feeling the effects of that though, both mentally and physically as we look to combine recovery with continued training and preparation. But the boys are buzzing with an uninterrupted week and there was plenty of high spirits at training last night.”



Further boosting morale is the return of skipper Danny Hay and fellow defender Jonathan Perry after both were late withdrawals before last weekend’s trip to Napier.



Milicich is pleased with the side he has named for Saturday, despite missing a key player.



“Danny Hay and Jonathan Perry come back in giving us a real boost after their late withdrawals last week. Countering that is the loss of Benji Totori for a few weeks on international duty but with Menapi, Pearce and Koprivcic all in good form we have plenty of cover.”



Waitakere United v Waikato FC

Date: Saturday 1st March, 4pm KO

Venue: Outer Oval, North Harbour Stadium

Round: Sixteen



Last five results: W L D W W

Last round result: Hawkes Bay 0 Waitakere United 1

Position on table: 2nd



Squad of 16 (list in chronological order): 1 Richard Gillespie, 2 Jonathan Perry, 5 Danny Hay, 6 Darren Bazeley, 8 Commins Menapi, 10 Allan Pearce, 11 Neil Sykes, 13 Daniel Koprivcic, 14 Hoani Edwards, 15 Chris Bale, 16 Neil Emblen, 17 Jake Butler, 22 Simon Eaddy, 33 Paul Seaman