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HAWKE'S BAY UNITED 4 WAIKATO 2
HAWKE'S BAY UNITED FOOTBALL
www.sportsground.co.nz/hbunited
Bluewater Stadium
Clyde Jeffery Drive
Park Island

PO Box 5173
Greenmeadows 4145
Napier
Anthony Floyd, General Manager
06 844 5846, 021 477 435,

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This week’s ASB Premiership highlights...

Waitakere United’s mouth-watering showdown with playoff rivals Team Wellington could be the match of the round. With the O-League chase a three way race all points gathered are vital, but the victors of this match also gain a huge psychological edge heading into the semi-finals. Team Wellington has lost its last five visits to Waitakere but they have improved rapidly and could be overdue for an upset win. The home side have experienced a stop-start season with a shock 0-3 loss in the O-League to Tefana making them a dangerous prospect for any opponent. The match kicks off at Fred Taylor Park in Whenuapai on Sunday at 4pm

Waikato FC plays host an ailing YoungHeart Manawatu desperate for a win after a horror season. Waikato, by contrast, has reason for optimism despite their recent dip in form. Some eye-catching performances and international selection for Mike Kramer, Adam Thomas and Jason Hicks with the New Zealand U-23 team show Waikato FC are on the right track. Manawatu have yet to win a single match and with three games left could become the first club to finish an ASB Premiership regular season winless. Action gets underway at Porritt Stadium, Hamilton, on Sunday, kick-off 2pm.

Auckland City can clinch the ASB Premiership minor title with a win over a Hawke’s Bay United clinging onto their own playoff hopes by their finger tips. Victory will take Auckland close to within two matches of an unbeaten regular season record, an achievement unmatched by any previous minor premiership winner. It would also rubber-stamp Auckland City’s involvement in next season’s O-League. Hawke’s Bay need at least a point to stay in pursuit of fourth place but would prefer Wellington to lose at Waitakere to feel comfortable heading into the final two rounds. The match kicks-off at 2pm at Kiwitea Street, Sandringham, on Sunday 26 February.

It’s another all-South Island derby as Canterbury United meet Otago United for the second time in over week with local bragging rights not the only prize up for grabs. A win for the Dragons could propel the Cantabrians closer to a runners-up spot and a possible O-League berth for next season. Otago may have something to say about that with the blue and golds boasting an impressive derby record with their neighbours from Christchurch in recent times. ASB Football Park is the venue in Christchurch for a match that kicks off at 2pm.

     
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