Chance to show gains

Barring another downpour, Waikato FC should tomorrow finally get the chance to show the strides they've made in the Premiership.

The hosts meet Canterbury United at Hamilton's Porritt Stadium (12.30pm kickoff) in their first home appearance in two months.

Two abandoned matches at the venue against Hawke's Bay United because of a waterlogged pitch have ensured Declan Edge's side have done their growing up away over the past two months, scoring three league and cup victories, followed by last weekend's 0-0 away draw with league leaders Auckland City.

Edge will not only be keen to see that form maintained, but will also be hopeful of a much-improved showing on the first-round clash between them, when George Slefendorfas netted a Canterbury hat-trick in a 5-0 win in Christchurch.

The side is more settled and has been much stronger on defence, with a back three of Mikey Kramer, Tyler Lissette and Josh Greene playing slickly as a unit. Jason Hicks continues to be a threat, Ryan Thomas had standout moments against Auckland, and Jesse Edge, Michael Mayne and Harry Edge were constructive last weekend.

The visitors sit third on the table and destroyed hapless Manawatu 9-1 last week. They have a dangerous attacking trio of Slefendorfas, Russell Kamo and Aaron Clapham but will be without injured Dan Terris and suspended Cole Peverly.

AT A GLANCE:

Waikato FC: Mark Fulcher, Tyler Lissette, Josh Greene, Mikey Kramer, Michael Mayne, Jesse Edge, Adam Thomas, Harry Edge, Jason Hicks, Ryan Thomas, Tyler Boyd, Jesse Smith, Mohammed Awad, Matteo Ballan, Raymond How, Jordan Shaw. Canterbury United: Tom Batty, Mark Johnston, Tom Schwarz, Geoff MacIntyre, Darren White, Aaron Clapham, George Slefendrofas, Russell Kamo, Andy Barton, Josh Smith, Julyan Collett, Joe Murray, Ken Yamamoto, Erik Panzer, Adam Highfield, Shawn O'Brien. 

- © Fairfax NZ News