Waikato looking for final berth

Waikato FC can book themselves an inaugural White Ribbon Cup final berth if they can beat the struggling YoungHeart Manawatu in Taupo on Saturday. Waikato FC's closest brush with trophy success came in 2004-05 season when the Declan Edge-coached outfit qualified for the ASB Premiership playoffs. The Hamilton-based club were swept aside 4-1 by Waitakere United on that occasion but would expect fewer problems taking on a Manawatu side that has yet to win a game this season. Waikato FC will be without skipper Adam Thomas and midfield maestro Jason Hicks as both players are on international duty with the New Zealand under-23 side at the OFC Olympic Football tournament qualifiers. Waikato FC defeated Hawkes Bay United 2-0 in its first match while the Bay eased by YoungHeart Manawatu 5-0. Hawke's Bay's finals hopes rely on a highly unlikely upset win for YoungHeart Manawatu, a scenario that would see the Bay sneak through to the final on goal difference with all three teams level on three points. Intriguingly, YoungHeart Manawatu did manage a 2-2 draw with Waikato FC in the ASB Premiership so may view the showdown in Taupo as a rare opportunity to go one better. Another boost for Manawatu is the news that striker Suele Soromon _ who was sent off in a defeat to Team Wellington on Sunday _ remains eligible for this match. Introduced to give the six clubs not involved in the O-League competitive football where gaps previously existed in the season, the White Ribbon Cup has already discovered its first finalist after Team Wellington won the Southern Conference pool. The Matt Calcott-coached side thrashed Otago United 6-1 and Canterbury United 3-0 to take top spot and face the Southern Conference winner in the White Ribbon Cup final on April 1. Waikato FC and YoungHeart Manawatu play at Owen Delaney Park in Taupo with the action getting underway at 2pm.