Football: Overton boost for United

Otago United received a boost before tomorrow's match against Wellington when Darren Overton declared he would be available to play in the critical match at the Caledonian Ground.

The classy Overton is heading for a new job in Sydney but will squeeze in one last ASB premiership game before he leaves.

Following the loss of midfielder Mike Cunningham and defender Tom Connor, Overton's plans threatened to leave coach Richard Murray's squad a bit thin.

Striker Ant Hancock will also be unavailable for tomorrow's match, due to a calf strain, and defender Jude Fitzpatrick has a back strain.

Overton's contribution will add the class and stability that made him a favourite with Caversham in the winter league, and thrust him into consideration for New Zealand Olympic squad selection.

Tristan Prattley, now with 50 premiership matches under his belt, also took a step closer to Olympic selection when he was alerted this week to be available for selection, after good form at a recent national training camp.

Coach Murray has strengthened his squad by adding defender Andrew Ridden, and James Watson also attended training at Tahuna Park on Thursday.

While Hancock was doing gentle laps to test his calf, another newcomer, Josemaria Cantillo, from Costa Rica, was also testing a recent strain, and could become a part of future Otago teams.

And there were friendly greetings for former Otago player Liam Little, who has returned to Dunedin and will be involved in a goalkeeping coaching role.

"Our first priority this week is to put out our strongest team against Wellington," Murray said.

"We created enough chances last week to win twice over, so this week we have to hit the net."

In contrast, coach Matt Calcott's Wellington side is buzzing after banging in six goals against Hawkes Bay last week, but Louis Fenton, who scored four of them, is unavailable. Scott Basalaj is also away on professional trials in the UK. Michael Fifii is drafted in, and Nick Branch remains injured with concussion.

Third-placed Wellington has 12 points. Otago - after being docked the point gained in the first-round 2-2 draw with Wellington for fielding an unregistered player - lurks three points behind.

It is a small enough gap to give the home side hope that it can take something from the match, and remain in the hunt for a top four placing.

Otago's record against the capital side is poor, with just three wins, while Wellington has registered 11 wins and five draws.

"We face a string of difficult matches," Murray said.

"We could do with maximum spectator support."

Otago v Wellington
Caledonian, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago United: Oswaldo Rodriguez, Liam Lockhart, Tristan Prattley (captain), Jude Fitzpatrick, Matt Joy, Morgan Day, Regan Coldicott, Seamus Ryder, Donnie Macgregor, James Govan, Sam Mepham, Darren Overton, Harley Rodeka, Matt Brook, Peter Evans, Joel Stevens, Andrew Ridden, Craig Ferguson.
Wellington: Phil Imray, Tim Schaeffers, Jamie Duncan, Michael Eagar, Darren Cheriton, Wiremu Patrick, Patrick Fleming, Dakota Lucas, Ethan Galbraith, Karl Whalen, Sam Mason-Smith, Michael Fiifi, James Musa, Luke Rowe, Justin Gulley, Daniel Clarke.