Preview: Underground FC v Elim Saints

The final match of the first half of the season will not stop Underground FC advancing to the Major League.

The match has little meaning for Underground other than pride and preparation for the Major League. For Elim, it's a chance to inflict the first defeat on their orange-and-black opponents.

VENUE AND TIME: Riversdale Reserve, Avondale - Saturday 26 May at 2.30pm.

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 1 - Underground 1, Elim Saints 0.

LAST TIME: Super League 2011 - Underground 1 : Elim Saints 0

INS AND OUTS: A number of Underground players are missing this week's action thanks to a wedding in Whangarei of a mutual friend of no less than five of the team. A reoccurring ankle injury to Anthony Cluley in training will also see him miss the game.

FORM:

Underground FC:
Round 6: Win v Hillsborough ReUnited, 5-1
Round 5: Draw v Alegria United, 1-1
Round 4: Bye
Round 3: Win v LIFE United, 5-1
Round 2: Draw v Karen United, 4-4

Elim Saints:
Round 6: Loss v Alegria United, 0-1
Round 5: Win v Karen United, 2-0
Round 4: Draw v Hillsborough ReUnited, 0-0
Round 3: Draw v Oracular Orcas, 1-1
Round 2: Bye

Underground's unbeaten season looked to be seriously under threat in the first half of their Round 5 draw with Alegria United. Aside from that, however, parity has been restored and they have since clinched their spot in the second division for the first time in their history.

Elim Saints, too, looked to be well in the hunt for that spot in the Major League until their loss against Alegria last week. It has consigned them to third division football, though after finishing fifth in the Power League in 2011 they could count themselves lucky to even be in this position.

FOR UNDERGROUND TO WIN: They'll need to ensure the weary legs are managed carefully. With many a tough game coming up in the second division, there needs to be serious consideration for the long term makeup of the side. The lack of pressure on the match should ensure plenty of players will get opportunities for lots of game time, which should delight Ryan Hodgson's men.

FOR ELIM SAINTS TO WIN: Their defensive capabilities need to continue to shine. While they have scored the least ammount of goals in the league (seven), they have also conceded the least (three). With six goals the difference between themselves and the next best defensive team - their opponents this weekend - they have a clear advantage in that area. The fact they have only scored three goals in the last four games, however, is of major concern.

WE THINK: A lack of pressure on this game should see an entertaining affair. Some shuffling around of the Underground side could ensue to give those who have experienced a lack of game time some much needed minutes, but it shouldn't affect what should be the first time the orange-and-blacks go through the first round of matches unbeaten. Underground by three.


TEAM LINEUP:
                                             Long Tran


Joseph Cottle                                                                    Joel Greatbach
                      Andrew Dunn                      Andrew Hewat
                                             Liam Badger

Ben Cullen            Ryan Hodgson          Dave Stanyer         Jono Korff


                                               Andy Speir


RESERVES: Charles Chu (W, ST), Nathan Dawson (D).