MIDFIELD positional changes proved decisive for Taree when the Wildcats disposed of second placed Port Saints 5-1 in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League clash played on Wednesday night at Port Macquarie.
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This was a stunning result for the Wildcats, coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat last weekend by Wallis Lake.
Coach Rod Bartley said the players held a post mortem after the loss to Wallis to discuss their stuttering season. Bartley said it was a positive discussion, where the side’s problems were dissected.
“We needed more energy,’’ Barley said, agreeing the Wildcats were listless in the clash against Wallis.
Taree made positional switches, moving Macabe Grass and Jordan Howard into the midfield while Callum Griffis switched to the striker’s role. All were strong against Saints, along with Justin Atkins.
“We were against the best midfield in the comp and we dominated,’’ Bartley said.
Jackson Witts finished with two goals for the Wildcats while Ricky Campbell, Griffis and Josh Morris were also on the scorer's sheet.
Taree led 2-0 at halftime and increased this to 3-0 early in the second half. Saints pulled one back from a penalty but Taree finished too strongly.
“We were on top for 60 per cent of the game,’’ Bartley said.
“And we’re the only team in the comp to beat the top two teams (Macleay Valley and Port Saints) this year.’’
It was a good night for Taree, with the reserve grade winning 1-0.
However, Bartley warned that Saints will be a different opponent when the sides meet again on Saturday at Omaru Park. Wednesday night’s game was postponed from May because of Taree’s commitments in the FFA Cup.
