Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Clarence may just sneak home against New Town Eagles






Photos (Top to Bottom): Eagles coach George Krambousanos (right), Clarence assistant coach Franco Previdi (left) and fan; Clarence missed Chris Hunt (right) in their match against University on the weekend; Eagles will miss Mark Page (left) against Clarence; Clarence captain Ben Parker suffered a cut on his head against University on the weekend but should play against Eagles; Clarence are badly missing the injured Toby Ling (No. 3) at the heart of the defence

We may finally see a '2009-2010' season Forestry Tasmania Southern Premier League match at Wentworth Park on a Thursday night tomorrow when second-last Clarence United host third-last New Town Eagles.

The last two games scheduled for Thursday nights at Wentworth Park have had to be postponed because of poor ground conditions which resulted in the Clarence Council closing the venue.

Why these games could not have been played at KGV Park on a Wednesday evening, possibly as part of a Premier League double-header, is puzzling.

Clarence go into this game desperate for points.

They have lost their past five league matches and won only one State-wide Cup match in between.

That is why they are in this precarious situation. They are second-last and only three points ahead of bottom-side University.

New Town Eagles' biggest worry is a lack of games in recent weeks, something that has coach George Krambousanos worried.

"I have prepared the team and the players have been keen, only to have games postponed at the last moment," Krambousanos said.

"That means it's alway been back to the drawing board and it's almost like starting the season afresh.

"Getting the players in the right frame of mind, only to have the game called off, is a problem and it's frustrating to say the least."

Eagles come into this game after a 1-1 draw with Glenorchy Knights in their last outing.

Eagles may promote Michael Anderson from the reserves as Mark Page and Cormac Collins will be out through injury.

"I think we'll be ready for them," said Krambousanos. "Both teams need the points badly, but I'm confident of a good showing."

Clarence are badly missing midfielder-cum-defender Sam Cannamela, who has an infected foot.

They also missed Chris Hunt on Sunday when they went down 2-0 away to University.

The continued absence of central defender Toby Ling is also a hindrance to the Eastern Shore outfit's progress.

Clarence are due a change of fortune and should go close to earning the three points and leaving Eagles just three points adrift of last-placed University and in danger of being caught by the Students.

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