By David Gearey / asbpremiership.co.nz 

NAPIER - If history has anything to go by there should be goals galore when Hawke’s Bay put their playoff credentials to the test when they face an ailing Auckland City at Park Island on Sunday.

Hawke’s Bay United have adopted a “go out and attack” approach in their home matches this season that has produced a total of 9 goals.

Memories of last season’s encounter when Auckland City disposed of Hawke’s Bay with a clinical and efficient 6-1 thrashing as they went on to secure the minor premiership still linger.

In addition, it’s been nearly three years since the last time Hawke’s Bay beat Auckland City at home, a 2-0 win under the guidance of Bobby Gould.

With those facts in mind, Hawke’s Bay’s Matt Chandler may well choose to adopt the defensive tactics used on the road, an approach which has seen his side concede no goals on their travels.

“Reality is we drew too many games last year and we need to play a attacking positive game,” Chandler said, “We have a number of attack minded players, but against a team like Auckland we must be resilient in our defending and we are very aware of the threat we face and have to deal with.”

Chandler is eager to see his side continue their good form which has seen Hawke’s Bay enjoy their best ever start to a season.

“We brought in around six new faces. But maintain a nucleus of key players from last season and added some youngsters with potential. I definitely think that we are coming together and forming into a tight unit of players,” said Chandler.

Meanwhile Bluewater Stadium might just be the backdrop Auckland City are looking for to kick start their campaign with goals difficult to come by.

Just four goals in as many matches, with three of them coming against Waikato in their Week 1 fixture is a poor return for a club that has enjoyed the talents of Keryn Jordan, Grant Young and Paul Urlovic for the past six seasons.

“Auckland City has had the luxury in the past of some of the best marksman in this country and replacing them is not easy,” Co-coach Aaron McFarland said.

However , McFarland believes Bluewater Stadium is just the place for his side to kick start their season.

“We feel comfortable with the performances of the team to date and know it is just a matter of time before we find a regular way of getting the ball in the net,” McFarland said, “The team is looking forward to this fixture and will enjoy the challenges that the extra space that Bluewater Stadium provides.”

Both teams come into the match missing key personnel.

Auckland will be without Costa Rican marksman Luis Corrales while Hawke’s Bay are still missing the services of key attacking duo Leon Birnie and Jarrod Smith, Smith facing a late fitness test before Sunday’s fixture.