CONSISTENCY will be the key to Taree Wildcats progressing deep into the semi-finals of the Football Mid North Coast Premier League, according to coach Rod Bartley.
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The Wildcats meet Kempsey Saints at Kempsey tomorrow in the elimination match. Taree scrapped into the playoffs on goal averages after finishing on level terms with Macleay Valley, one shy of tomorrow’s opponents.
The Wildcats looked poised the grab a top three berth after 10 rounds, but hit the wobbles from there, with fours wins, three losses and a draw before the bye in the last round. In contrast Kempsey hasn’t lost a game in nine weeks and beat minor premiers Wallis Lake last start in a massive confidence booster going into the playoffs.
Bartley blames injuries for much of the side’s problems.
“We had eight players out in two games for our last match because of injury or suspension,’’ he pointed out.
Taree will be without the suspended Jackson Witts and injured Josh Morris tomorrow, with Morris out for the rest of the campaign. The Wildcats had a 2-0 win over Kempsey at Kempsey in the first round and a 1-1 draw at home.
“They're a good, young team, energetic and quick,’’ Bartley said of Saints.
Bartley said the Wildcats have decided against trying to fight Witts’ three game ban.
“We’ll keep Jackson involved with the squad and hope we keep going long enough for him to get a game again this season,’’ he said.
Bartley again emphasised that Taree has to capitalise on chances. Taree scored the most goals in the league but Bartley said they frittered too many opportunities away in front of goal.
“That’s an area we have to improve,’’ he said.
Skipper Jordan Howard along with Justin Atkins and Cal Lewis will be key performers for the Wildcats. Bartley expects Tom Griffen to be back from injury and he’ll start in the midfield. Lewis returns after missing Taree’s last match, a 4-0 loss to minor premier Wallis Lake at Forster. Lewis along with Howard and Atkins have been Taree’s best this campaign.
Taree finished fourth in reserve grade and will also tackle Kempsey Saints tomorrow.
Bartley said the reserve grade side has played some great football this season.
“They didn’t win a game last year and this is basically the same team, so that speaks for itself,’’ he said.
A number of players also had to fill-in for the first grade late in the season when injuries and suspension started to take a toll.
Bartley believes this experience will stand them in good stead for the high pressure semi-final encounter.
First grade will get underway from 2.45,