TAREE moved into third place on the Football Mid North Coast Premier League ladder with a come-from-behind 5-4 win over premiers Port Saints in the clash at Port Macquarie.
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The Wildcats trailed 3-1 at one stage of the game, but scored the winning goal with five minutes remaining to take the competition points. Jackson Witts hit home the decisive goal. It was his second for the game.
Coach Rod Bartley said the Wildcats showed plenty of determination against a fired up opposition.
“I’m glad we don’t have to play Port Saints again this year,’’ Bartley said.
“They were playing for their season.’’
The Wildcats scored the first goal of the game but were stunned when Saints put three goals on them. Taree hit back to level the score and then took a 4-3 lead before Saints squared the account with a further goal.
Bartley admitted he was pleased to hear the fulltime whistle.
“We played well for 60 minutes, but the game goes for 90,’’ he said.
He added the Wildcats had to change their playing style to adapt to the difficult playing conditions (see story this page).
However, he added the Wildcats remain composed even when they trailed by the two goals.
“They showed plenty of spirit,’’ he said.
“This was a game we would have lost last year.’’
Callum Lewis was outstanding for the Wildcats while skipper Jordan Howard was also strong. Lewis also scored two goals with Ricky Campbell adding the other.
“We’re third now with a game in hand, so we’re in a good position,’’ Bartley said.
However, the Wildcats face a tough game on the road this weekend against Macleay Valley at Kempsey.
“They (Macleay) are a side that usually starts slowly and them improves,’’ Bartley said.
“So this is going to be another hard one.’’
Meanwhile Mona Walker from Black Head has been named in the Northern NSW girl’s under 13s squad to play in the FFA National Youth Girls championships starting next Monday at Coffs Harbour.
The National Youth Championships are FFA’s primary national competitions.