Chester GASKIN

Welcome back to Gower Park for our second home game of the National League season. We return after picking up a valuable point against the Phoenix Reserves in what was a challenging game and trip. It was fantastic that New Zealand Football were able to fly us out from Auckland rather than Hamilton (where we actually live) for the Phoenix game. A 6:30am departure by bus from Hamilton, followed by an 11:30pm return is very hard to understand...especially when we are constantly reminded by our governing body that this is an amateur competition! Despite that, the lads showed great resolve to come away with a point and I believe it will go a long way towards kickstarting this phase of our season. The players have continued to work hard over the last couple of weeks. Our energy and pressing allowed us to run-over a lot of teams in the Northern League, but against better sides and in hotter conditions we have had to modify some elements of our game. Being more selective with when we press and having a bit more patience in possession, particularly after we’ve just won the ball are two areas that we continue to focus on. While we haven’t had the goal return we would like so far, we have created a number of chances in all of the three games. I have complete faith that as long as we keep attacking with energy and committing numbers forward, the goals will start flowing again very soon. Welcome to today's visitors Cashmere Tech. They are a top side packed with a lot of experience and it will no doubt be another tightly contested match. We look forward to the challenge and hopefully we can put on a good show for you all. Enjoy the game! Wilky