Photos (Top to Bottom): Tom Clamp...goalkeeper for Nelson; Nathan Robinson...player-coach of Beachside [PlessPix]
Second-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs have the chance to go to the top of the Division One ladder if they can topple leaders Beachside away at Sandown Park on Saturday.
But, it will be a tough task for the visitors against the well-oiled home-team machine.
Defender Craig Stockdale returns for Nelson and he will replace Rhys Endall, who is relegated to the bench.
Striker Tom Gordon is again unavailable, and this will count against Nelson.
Ryan Mills retains his spot in attack, while Nick Roberts and Troy Hoppitt are again on the bench but may see action, as they did last weekend in the 2-0 win over Hobart United.
“We have a settled side at the moment,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach. “Adam Mills has been in good form in central midfield, as have Pat Lenck and Cody Flynn.
“Our back-four is solid and Tom Clamp has been impressive in his first season at the club as goalkeeper.
“Craig Stockdale back in gives us a bit more experience and physical strength as well and I don’t think he’ll do any favours to his mates at Beachside.
“Tom Gordon is away again this week and won’t be back until the day before next week’s State-wide Cup match, but Ryan Mills is a good replacement.
“Beachside is scoring very heavily and are top so deserve to be favourite for this match, while we are not letting many goals in but are not scoring heavily either.
“But, one goal more than your opponent is all you need for three points.
“We know about their experienced players, but I haven’t seen them play since the Summer Cup and I know they have some new signings as well, so they may be a little different now.
“Our players are highly motivated for this match and, even though it’s only the end of round one, we’ll know more about where we stand in terms of challenging for the league after this weekend.”
Beachside will include Jamon Pennicott and Tony Ortuso after both were unavailable last weekend. They replace Daniel Gardner and Anthony Grzinic.
“We are expecting a very difficult encounter this week against Nelson,” said Beachside player-coach, Nathan Robinson.
“Michael Roach has his team playing well and they have had some impressive performances, including a strong home win last week against Hobart United on the back of away results against University and Metro.
“Tony Ortuso and Jamon Pennicott will be good inclusions for our squad, adding some pace and strength and midfield.”
The other match on Saturday pits the FFT Under-15s, who are second-last, against Southern FC at the Showgrounds.
The Under-15s were annihilated 16-0 last weekend by Beachside but should bounce back with a better showing against third-last Southern FC.
On Sunday, Hobart United host DOSA at Pontville, the latter being coached by former Hobart United man Pedro Ramirez.
Metro host University at North Chigwell, also on Sunday. The two sides are traditional rivals and it should be a close contest.
1 comment:
Beachside and Nelson will also be playing for the Nic Blood memorial trophy in honour of Nic who played a few seasons at Nelson and 1 at Beachside before he lost his battle with cancer.
It's a special occasion for those who knew Nic and still play in either side.
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