Tasman United captain Paul Ifill is one of a number of injury concerns heading into week three of the Stirling Sports Premiership against Wellington Phoenix U20s. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport

Tasman United set for TV debut

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Tasman United coach Richard Anderson says his team will need to find a “ruthless streak” in front of goal if they are to compete with the Stirling Sports Premiership heavyweights.

His comments came after his team suffered a 4-0 defeat to title favourites Auckland City, away from home on Saturday in just their second regular season match.

For the second game in a row, Richard felt his side controlled the early minutes, but unlike their 2-2 draw with Canterbury United there was no point to be grabbed once Auckland City took the lead.

“We went there with the intent to frustrate them and I thought we had did enough early to be in front, and we missed a good opportunity to do that which may have changed the course of the game if it had gone in.

“We have to be ruthless in front of goal because chances will be tough to come by.”

That ruthless attitude was harder to create when Paul Ifill had to withdraw with a hamstring strain.

While the 37-year-old is expected to be back for this weekend’s clash with Wellington Phoenix Reserves, he is one of a number of injury concerns Richard says he will have to monitor this week.

Mark Johnston, Nick Smith and Robbie Pearson are all on the injury list, with Mark ruled out for the remainder of 2016.

The other issue for Richard has been the defence, which he says was not resolute enough in Auckland.

“The disappointing thing was that all the goals we conceded were soft and we will have to improve that area of our game.”

Tasman United’s round three match against Wellington Phoenix Under-20s will be broadcast live on Sky Sport from 4pm this Saturday.

The Tasman United Youth team lost 2-1 to Auckland City Youth in the National Youth League match in Auckland.