DESPITE being down a player after Lucas Mepham was sent off with 20 minutes left in the match, Taree Wildcats managed to hang on and defeat Tuncurry-Forster 2-1 in the opening round Football Mid North Coast Premier League clash at Tuncurry.
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Mepham who had been one of Taree’s best, was charged with dissent. The Wildcats led 2-1 at the the time.
Taree coach Rod Bartley said it was a scrappy game, but he was pleased to get the points given the difficult preparation his side had.
The Wildcats were hindered in the pre-season when Omaru Park was closed following on-going wet weather.
Taree took an early 1-0 lead following a goal to Ricky Campbell from a corner. The Tigers hit back to equalise before the Wildcats went ahead by one when 16-year-old Macabe Grass, in his first grade debut, managed to head in a shot.
Mepham was outstanding for the Wildcats until dismissed. Bartley said Grass was also strong while Campbell did some good things up front. Luke Jones and Jordan Howard were industrious in the midfield.
The Wildcats will meet Port Saints on Thursday night in an FFA Cup round at Port Macquarie before tackling Macley Valley at Kempsey on Saturday.
Taree will have a number of players unavailable because of the Groovin the Moo music festival in Maitland.
