It’s our fourth meeting in total with us not having won any of the previous 3! We know we have a game on our hands, but so will West Auckland!
I am really proud of how well the team have done this season and I told the players this at training this week. We will either be delighted or devastated after Wednesday or Monday so I thought it was important to let them know that then, as emotions can run high in games like what we are about to play. As a group of players and management, we aimed for promotion this season and we will be bitterly disappointed if we don’t achieve this. As fans, we love the play offs but as a manager I would have much preferred the top two to be promoted this season!
Each of the three teams pose a different threat. West Auckland are a young team full of quality and on their day can beat anyone in this league. We will need to make sure we are excellent out of possession and use our qualities when in possession to cause them problems. The draw away from home in the league was a good game and I expect a similar game tonight. I do think we have improved a lot since that game but I am sure West Auckland will say the same about their side too. The cup game was a tough one for us being down to 10 men and the home league game was tough to take as the scoreline flattered West Auckland on that day. In an ideal world, this game would be the play off final for the area, but as we know too well, football isn’t all about the ideal world!!
I would like to thank the supporters for their appreciation for myself, Craig, Prof and David signing extended deals. Your support means a lot to us. We have committed to playing attacking football this season and I hope you have been entertained along the way. Hopefully we can end the season with promotion and get back in the league we belong in. If it isnt to be, then we will regroup this summer and aim for the league title next season.
Enjoy the game tomorrow night!
Chris Hughes