Tasman chase first home win
There have been many times when Tasman United have come close to victory this season. But only once have they actually got across the line.
That sole win came all the way back in November against Hamilton Wanderers, a team just five points above them on the Stirling Sports Premiership table.
Tasman’s record since that game includes six defeats and three draws, having tied with league leaders Waitakere United last weekend to put themselves within striking distance of ninthplaced Southern United.
Considering there is so much to gain if Tasman can beat Wanderers for the second time this season, able to jump ahead of Southern if the Dunedin-based side loses and able to stay within reach of Sunday’s opposition too, there’s no denying that this is a big weekend for Tasman.
But with the top four well out of reach, interim coach Davor Tavich does not believe it is a must-win. Of course he wants to win, especially as a way to reward the fans for their support, but he said improving every weekend is the focus.
‘‘It’s a big game for us but I don’t think it’s a must-win game. The goal is not to finish last and to play really well in front of the home crowd,’’ he said.
‘‘If we can win it’d be nice for the supporters who have been with us every home game in big numbers. We’d love to finish eighth, don’t get me wrong, but once you’re out of the top four you are playing in view of the next year and how you can build up, develop and do things better.’’
Tavich remains at the helm in place of head coach Richard Anderson, who was relieved of his first team duties prior to the Waitakere game. Anderson’s future remains up in the air with Tavich expected to see out the season.
With no injury concerns and satisfied with the performance from last weekend, Tavich said he is unlikely to make changes to the starting 11 and will pursue with a 4-3-3 formation.
That would leave captain Paul Ifill spearheading a potent attacking three alongside Ermal Hajdari and Tinashe Marowa, while Cameron Linday is expected to remain in his preferred position of central midfield, having been used primarily as a central defender under Anderson.
Tavich believed Wanderers are a good side and he expects a torrid time against a team looking to avenge their 3-2 loss from the first round. ‘‘I think they’re going to feel like they should have won the last game and they’re going to be strong. They don’t want to finish last, they want to finish mid-table and they have plenty to play for, and I’m sure they’ll want to prove they’re better than us.’’
Tasman’s defence will have to be wary of Papua New Guinea international Raymond Gunemba, the livewire striker having scored five goals in 10 games.
Wanderers will welcome back Aaron Scott, Stafford Dowling, Jama Boss and Jordan Shaw while midfielder Jack Salter has been allowed to leave to join Sorrento FC in Perth, who he played for in 2015 when they made a run to the round of 32 in the FFA Cup.
Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 2pm