Waitakere launch defence of O-league title

Waitakere United winning the 2007 O-League seems just a blink in the past and yet already a new season and a new challenge looms for the proud West Auckland football franchise.



Fred Taylor Park will tomorrow (Wednesday) host the first match in Waitakere United’s defence of their O-League title, won so dramatically at Mt Smart Stadium thanks to a precious goal from Allan Pearce and resolute defence.



The visitors are AS Manu Ura from Tahiti, fresh from a 6-0 hiding at the hands of Auckland City in the opening Group A clash on Saturday and no doubt looking for redemption before heading home to Papeete.



Waitakere United Manager Chris Milicich watched that game and is confident of a good showing from his side, despite the early nature of the match.



“We have watched AS Manu Ura and believe we can combat their strengths and expose their weaknesses if we stick to the game plan. We will threaten them on attack in a number of areas and I believe we have the experience and size to contain them at the back.”



Milicich has few or no injury concerns in naming his side, something he admits is a luxury for any coach.



“Preparation has been good albeit we would have enjoyed another competitive match before Wednesday but we will make do. I have the sort of headache most coaches wish for, one based on who to leave out rather than who to include. With only a few minor niggles to worry about, I have most of my squad on deck and available for selection.”



Included in the squad for the season opener are new signings Benjamin Totori (Manawatu), Jonathan Perry, Neil Sykes, Jason Hayne, Richard Gillespie (all Auckland City), Neil Emblen, Darren Bazeley (NZ Knights), Chris Bale (Waitakere City) and Shane Pascoe while former United midfielder Jake Butler and defender Matt Cuneen are also named in the 18.



Milicich is warning his side against any hint of complacency.



“This is the start of a long season but we must sprint out of the blocks and not be in any way over confident. They may have conceded 6 against Auckland on Saturday but did so after having their keeper sent off very earl in the match. I have no doubt they will be fired up for this one given failure means they go home knowing they are effectively out of the tournament and they won’t want that I’m sure.”


Waitakere United v AS Manu Ura (Tahiti)

Group A

O-League

Fred Taylor Park

4pm KO



Waitakere United

1 Richard Gillespie, 2 Jonathan Perry, 3 Shane Pascoe, 4 Matt Cuneen, 5 Danny Hay (c), 6 Darren Bazeley, 7 Jason Hayne, 8 Commins Menapi, 9 Benjamin Totori, 10 Allan Pearce, 11 Neil Sykes, 13 Daniel Koprivcic, 14 Hoani Edwards, 15 Chris Bale, 16 Neil Emblen, 20 Jason Rowley, 17 Jake Butler, 22 Simon Eaddy,



For further information visit www.waitakereunited.co.nz