TAREE produced their best defensive effort of the season when upsetting the erstwhile unbeaten Macleay Valley 1-0 in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League clash at Omaru Park.
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The Wildcats were hit hard by injury, losing Jackson Witts in the first half and Callum Griffis in the second. Both damaged ankles – Witts had to be assisted off the field.
“Jackson isn’t real good and we’re waiting on scans this week,’’ Taree coach Rod Bartley said.
“I think Callum’s going to be right – he was walking okay that night.
The Wildcats scored in the opening three minutes via a tap-in from Jordan Howard after earlier good work from Witts, who as among the best on the park until injured. Taree dominated the first half and had a number of chances to increase their lead but failed to capitalise. Bartley admitted they missed one sitter.
Bartley admitted the Wildcats concentrated on defence in the second stanza.
“We parked the bus,’’ he said.
“We were out on our feet. MVR’s a very fit side – they could have played another half, we couldn’t have played another five minutes.’’
The Wildcats have had limited training in recent weeks as Omaru Park has been closed following wet weather.
“That was our best defensive effort of the year. I was proud of them,’’ Bartley added.
“They gave that extra 20 per cent I’ve been looking for.’’
Josh Morris, Tom Griffen and goal keeper Josh Ferris were outstanding for the Wildcats, although Bartley added there were no failures on the day.
The win maintains Taree’s place in fifth place on 17 points although it gives them a three point cushion on Tuncurry-Forster. Port Saints, Port United and Wallis Lake all have 21 to sit above Taree on the ladder. Macleay maintains the lead on 25.
“We have the bye this week and it’s timely for us,’’ Bartley said.
This was Macleay’s first loss of the season.
“I don’t think they’re the best side we’ve played this year,’’ Bartley said.
“But they’re certainly the fittest.’’
The Wildcats will play Port Saints in a catch-up game on July 19 in Port Macquarie.