TAREE coach Rod Bartley concedes it is unlikely his side will gain a top three finish with two rounds of the Football Mid North Coast Premier League remaining.
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This follows Taree’s 1-1 draw with Port United in a tough struggle at Omaru Park.
The draw and Tuncurry-Forster’s upset win over Wallis Lake leaves the Wildcats, Port United and Wallis Lake level on 28 points to round off the top five. Tuncurry-Forster now sit on 26.
The Wildcats have the bye this week and finish with Kempsey Saints at home. However, United plays Camden Haven this Saturday and have the last round bye. United also has a superior goal differential to Taree.
“It looks as though we won’t make the top three,’' Bartley said.
“We’d need other results to go our way, although United won’t do it easy on Saturday against Camden Haven at Laurieton. Camden Haven struggles for players away from home, but they have about 50 there when they’re at Laurieton.
Bartley was happy with the performance against United – a side he rates highly.
The visitors took a 1-0 lead in the first half. The Wildcats had their chances to equalise, but it took a penalty slotted by Ricky Campbell midway through the second section to level it up. Play went end-to-end in the remaining time although neither side was able to break the deadlock.
Bartley said he was pleased with the way the Wildcats competed for the 90 minutes.
“I couldn’t fault that,’’ he added.
Bartley said 16-year-old Lachie Brown was outstanding for the Wildcats, comfortably winning the players’ player.
“He’s had a couple of runs in first grade off the bench, but this was his first time in the run-on side,’’ Bartley explained.
“He was marking a quality opponent – one who has been named in the side to play the Jets this week, but he wasn’t overawed. It was a fantastic performance.’’
Brown played left back. He’s one of a number of youngsters Bartley has used in first grade this season.
“It’s looking good for the club’s future, although we’re concentrating on the present at the moment,’’ he said.
Bartley said Campbell also had his moments while Sean Pole-Cini tried hard.
The Wildcats can now regroup this weekend before concentrating on the last round clash against Kempsey Saints.
Bartley expects to have Jackson Witts back for that match.
“With a bit of luck we should be at full strength.’’
