TAREE’S hopes of fielding their strongest side in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League for the first time tomorrow have been dashed with the loss of two key players.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Wildcats will meet Camden Haven at Omaru Park.
Veteran goal keeper Josh Ferris remains on the wounded list and he has been joined by striker Ricky Campbell.
Ferris missed Taree’s 2-0 win over Wauchope last Saturday, where Campbell picked up a hamstring injury.
“We hoped Josh would be right for this weekend, but it’s not to be,’’ Taree coach Rod Bartley said.
Aaron Green will remain in goals and Bartley said he has proven to be an able replacement.
“Aaron’s stepped up for us and done a great job,’’ Bartley said.
Youngster Macabe Grass, described by Bartley as Taree’s form player this season, will also be absent due to family commitments.
The Wildcats will have Sean Pol-Cini back after he missed the clash against Wauchope along with Lucas Mepham.
Last season’s Camden Haven/Taree clashes were fiery affairs and Bartley is expecting more of the same, despite the Redbacks’ indifferent start to the season.
Camden Haven sits in equal last place with Wauchope with three points from five matches.
“From what I’ve been told they’ve been improving and they’re always a tough opponent for us,’’ Bartley said.
He wants the Wildcats to make the most of scoring opportunities believing they wasted several against Wauchope.
Taree didn’t seal the win until the last 10 minutes when Jackson Witts scored a goal, despite dominating for much of the encounter.
Taree has two wins from four games and will be looking to go into credit on the win column after tomorrow’s game.
In other premier league games this weekend Kempsey Saints meet Wallis Lake; Tuncurry-Forster tackle Macleay Valley and Wauchope clash with Port City. Port Saints have the bye.
Coast back at Taree
Meanwhile Football Mid North Coast will aim to return to the winner’s list on Sunday in the Herald Women’s Premier League match against Wallsend at the Taree Zone Field at Taree Recreation Centre.
This follows a 5-0 loss to Adamstown last Sunday at Taree. FMNC went into the game minus four players top players and required assistance from under 18s.
However, Coast will be back to full strength this week.
Wallsend currently sits in sixth place on the ladder with Football Mid North Coast fourth.
The game will be preceded by under 14, 16 and 18 fixtures, with first grade kicking off at 2.15.
