HE conceded just one goal in three matches, despite the fact he’s not a regular goal keeper, however, Josh Ferris is heading back to reserve grade for tomorrow’s Football Mid North Coast Premier League clash against Port Saints at Port Macquarie.
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Ferris has deputised for the suspended Piet Gross in admirable fashion. However, Gross returns tomorrow and goes straight back to his regular spot. Taree coach Rod Bartley said that Gross had been one of Taree’s best before being sent off in the clash against Camden Haven and receiving the two game suspension. He spent a further week on the sideline when Taree’s clash against Wallis Lake was postponed because of wet weather.
“Josh is captain of the reserve grade and he’ll be going back there to give them a boost,’’ Bartley said.
He said Ferris did everything asked of him during his stint in goals.
“He was good in the air. But he’s a class player, I could put him anywhere.’’
The Wildcats, fresh off a convincing 4-1 win over third placed Tuncurry-Forster, will now be at full strength for the encounter. Port Saints may be the defending premiers, but they now sit in last place on the ladder after a disastrous first round.
However, Bartley believes all three Port Macquarie-based teams will provide sterner opposition in the second round.
“This game will be tough,’’ he said.
“I’ve heard they have a couple of their young players back and their coach is also back, so they won’t be easy, particularly up there.’’
He said Saints will also be desperate for a win.
“They have nothing to lose now and that can make them harder,’’ he pointed out.
However, Bartley added that the Wildcats could jump into third place with a win, so they also have plenty to play for.
“We’ve found that ability to win games, that’s been the big difference this year,’’ he said.
“The players are starting to believe in themselves and in the players standing next to them.’’
Bartley added that complacency won’t be an issue.
“Every Monday night we talk about this. There’s nothing we can do about what has happened, all we can concentrate is on what’s in front of us,’’ Bartley explained.
“We certainly won’t be taking Port Saints or any other team lightly. It’s too tight a competition to do that.’’
Strong performances by Taree’s back four, headed by Ben Sedlen along with the midfield highlighted Taree’s performance last weekend.
But Bartley said Saints play a different style and he has no idea what the ground at Port Macquarie is like.
“This match will present different challenges, that’s what makes it interesting.’’
