By John Donnachie / asbpremiership.co.nz 

CHRISTCHURCH - It's been raining goals of late at ASB Football Park, but you won't hear Canterbury United goalkeeper, Adam Highfield, complaining.

The shot-stopper has watched on as his Dragons team-mates have banged in 16 Premiership goals since the New Year. During that same period, Highfield, was beaten just once- and that was with a free-kick which is a goal of the season contender.

Moreover, Highfield has conceded only two goals all season at the Dragons den. His superb form between the posts has been testament to the red and blacks making their home ground a fortress while assisting their surge to second spot on the ASB Premiership ladder.

In a season when strikers and midfielders have regularly grabbed the headlines, the Dragons goalkeeper reflected on the contribution of his rearguard colleagues.

“Considering we lost our captain Dan (Terris), the guys at the back have done a great job. We had to re jig the defence and it has taken a bit of time. But it's really paying  dividends now- and our results away from home have improved too as a result,” said Highfield.

Highfield reckoned that keeping the back door firmly shut, had wider implications for the Dragons hopes of securing a play-off place and an O-league berth.

“It could be that goal difference is vital at the end of the season- so it's important we carry on our form at ASB Football Park and continue to make it our fortress,” added Highfield.

This Sunday, Highfield, will face some old friends when Otago United return to Christchurch for the second week in a row- this time on Premiership business.

The southern men have lost some key players and are struggling for form. But the former Otago goalkeeper is still expecting to be kept on his toes. Highfield said, “ We weren't at our best last week, but full credit to Otago they really hustled and bustled us.” 

Dragons coach, Keith Braithwaite, is also under no illusions. He said his players needed to focus as “there was no room for complacency” after last week's 2-1 win over Otago in the White Ribbon Cup.

He expected another stern examination this weekend from their mainland rivals.

“Playing Otago is always a tough contest. They have obviously lost key players, and we have been there ourselves in the past. But like us, they have made up for that with sheer endeavour,” said Braithwaite.

Unlike last weekend, Braithwaite said he would be fielding his strongest possible team. However, he has a few potential selection concerns ahead of Sunday's derby clash. 

The in-form Aaron Clapham, and influential midfielder Cole Peverley, are on All Whites under 23 duty on Friday night. So their availability will not be known until Saturday at the earliest. 

Meanwhile, two of the Dragons most consistent performers of late- forward Andrew Barton (groin injury)  and midfielder Joe Murray ( hamstring niggle) are both under an injury cloud.