Havelock North Wanderers footballers unbeaten in seven outings
Havelock North Wanderers are having a winter to remember in Central Football's Federation League and Chatham Cup play.
Unbeaten in the Federation League with four wins and a draw, the Chris Greatholder-coached Wanderers can secure top spot with a win against top-of-the-table Massey University at Massey, Palmerston North from 2.45pm on Saturday.
In Chatham Cup games Wanderers have beaten Gisborne 2-1 and Palmerston North Marist 3-2. Greatholder pointed out the away match against Gisborne on the Anzac Weekend Monday was particularly memorable as they had played a Federation League match on the Saturday and had nine players unavailable with injuries.
Former Hawke's Bay United coach Greatholder played the entire match.
"Our success this season has been the result of a massive group effort particularly when you take all our injuries into account," Greatholder explained.
Defender Jackson Ralph (pictured above right), attacking midfielder Bjorn Christensen (pictured above left), who has scored six goals to date this season, and midfield general Jerome Groot (pictured above middle) have all been prominent for the Guthrie Park-based team.
Wanderers have drawn unbeaten Central League leaders Miramar Rangers away in their next Chatham Cup clash at Queen's Birthday Weekend.
"Rangers are the best team in the country and I will be surprised if anybody beats them this season. They have a lot of Team Wellington players from last summer's National League," Greatholder said.
"There will be no pressure on us and it's a free shot at something special," Greatholder said.
He will be able to gain plenty of intelligence on the Rangers outfit by being a spectator at their eighth round Central League match against sixth placed Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers at Napier's Bluewater Stadium from 2pm on Sunday.
Rovers will need an upset win if they are going to climb the points table and keep their faint hopes of a top-three finish alive. A top-three finish is a must if Rovers are to qualify for next summer's new-look National League.
Chatham Cup holders Napier City Rovers have drawn an away game against Wairarapa United in Masterton at Queen's Birthday Weekend in the next round of the Cup.
