TAREE coach Ben Sedlen is confident his side will now push hard for a place in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League top five despite going down 2-1 to competition leaders Camden Haven at Omaru Park.
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"The attitude was much better this week right across the park,'' Sedlen said.
"I'm confident we'll grow a leg from here.''
Sedlen warned that the Wildcats faced a 'bloodbath' before the match following two ordinary performances, including a 3-2 midweek loss to Old Bar. However, Sedlen said his players responded to the challenge.
The Wildcats haven't won a match since accounting for Port FC on May 9. But Sedlen remains confident there's better days ahead.
Taree led 1-0 early in the game via a goal to Todd Curtins but the Redbacks responded to level the scores. It looked as though Taree would share the points until Camden Haven scored the winner in the 90th minute.
"We probably gifted them two goals,'' Sedlen said.
"That's still something we have to work on.''
Centre back Brendan Sheppard was strong for the Wildcats. He was called into the side to cover for injuries and Sedlen said he's done enough to keep his place.
Goal keeper Aaron Green was also solid. He was given a chance when regular keeper Piet Gross aggravated a back injury after 20 minutes. Gross is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks, meaning Green will stay in first grade.
The Wildcats have slumped to second last although they do have a game against Port Saints in hand. Taree meets Tuncurry-Forster this week and Sedlen admits this is a must-win encounter if the side is going to stay with the competition front runners. Tuncurry-Forster will be coming off a 7-2 loss to Port Saints last Saturday.
