With Division One leaders Metro having the bye this weekend, second-placed Taroona can catch up to Metro on points by beating second-last Christian United away at Sherburd Park on Saturday.
“We came out of last week’s game against Beachside without any injury worries and everyone is a bit fitter for finally having had a run, so I don’t expect to make any changes to the starting line-up,” said Taroona coach, Ben Horgan.
“Hugo Luttmer played last weekend, which was a surprise to everyone as we genuinely thought he’d miss at least the next three games with a broken foot, but they must breed them tough on the North-West coast.
“The under-19s’ Will Darling, a central defender, and Phil Gale, a striker, will both keep their places in the squad and, hopefully, I’ll get an opportunity to give them a good run off the bench.”
Christian United will be without Dave Noble, who is in Sydney, goalkeeper Scott Nicholson, who is in Brisbane, and Matthew Sly, who is suspended.
Leno Taglieri is also out because of a rib injury, while captain, Angus Livingston, is in Western Australia.
Munday Taban will play in goal, while Adam Van Sant, Andrew Pilgrim and Jesse Arnold will also come in to the side.
“Things are starting to turn in the right direction for us,” said Christian’s Jesse Arnold. “It was good to get our first win of the season out of the way and now we just have to forget our previous results and keep looking forward.
“Our training sessions have stepped up and we're really looking an improved side.
“Now we just need to transfer our energy and positive attitude from training over to match day and start putting in 100 per cent for the full 90 minutes.”
Third-placed Beachside entertain fourth-placed Northern Suburbs DOSA at Sandown Park on Sunday without Bernhard Klasen, who is injured, and Sebastian Milford, who is unavailable.
Damien Lowe and Colin Shepherd come into the starting line-up for Beachside.
“If we are to stay in touch with the top two, this is a must-win game against an improving DOSA outfit,” said Beachside player-coach, Nathan Robinson.
“Our defending last week was extremely poor and conceding nine goals in our last two games is a concern and something we have concentrated on in training this week.”
John Visentin returns for DOSA in place of Aaron McGurk, while Calvin Frith replaces Simon Natoli, who has coaching and refereeing commitments.
Sixteen-year-old Jayden Hey makes his debut after returning from an interstate athletics carnival.
The remaining match of the round is at North Warrane on Saturday, where fifth-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs host bottom-side Hobart United.
Ben Gibson and Robert Brooke come into the Nelson side in place of Rowan Sakul and Dean Melville.
“We simply have to put a decent performance together for 90 minutes this Saturday against Hobart United and then concentrate on playing good football for the balance of the season,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.
“We have shown glimpses of what we can do, but we need to be more consistent and ruthless in all areas, and that's the challenge for us now.”
2 comments:
I noticed that Ben spotty big dog Gibson has been called up to the team. Great desision there by Mick Roach. The kid has a knack for scoring goals and will come in very handy against a very average Hobart United team. HU will have to watch out for his ability in the air and his dazzling touches on the ground. I am suprised no premier league clubs have heard about this guy, could easily be playing at a higher level. Good luck Ben and to all the boys at Nelson.
Taroona 7 Christian 2
Ressies: Taroona 8 Christian 1
Post a Comment