TAREE coach Rob Bartley will spend today trying to piece together two sides to tackle Macleay Valley in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League round two clash at Kempsey tomorrow.
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The Wildcats have been hit by suspension, injuries and an exodus of players to the Groovin the Moo music festival in Maitland tomorrow.
Taree played Port Saints last night at Port in a second round FFA Cup fixture. However, Bartley said earlier the Wildcats would rest four regular first graders because of injury concerns.
Bartley expects have have eight players across first and reserve grade unavailable tomorrow. He added that Jackson Witts is still recovering from surgery and he’ll be sidelined for at least two more weeks.
“It’s going to be tough. I don’t want to have to use the F word (forfeit), but that’s something we may have to consider for reserve grade,’’ he said.
Bartley isn’t willing to ask players to run around in reserve grade and then back up for firsts, especially for those who were involved in last night’s match.
“Other clubs can draw from the open men’s side, but we’re struggling for numbers there,’’ Bartley pointed out.
“So we don’t have many options.’’
The Wildcats started the season with a pleasing 2-1 win over Tuncurry-Forster at Tuncurry while Macleay Valley were ruthless when disposing of comeback club Wauchope 6-0.