TAREE Wildcats need to string together some wins in the next month to make up for a slow start in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League, captain-coach Jordan Howard said.
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The Wildcats sit on seven points and have enjoyed a fruitful two weeks with a win over Wauchope followed by a 1-1 draw with competition leaders Port United. Tomorrow the Wildcats tackle a youthful Tuncurry-Forster Tigers side at Omaru Park.
The Tigers are level with the Wildcats and are in a bunch of sides shooting for fifth place on the ladder.
Taree still has a match in hand to play against Kempsey Saints, this being deferred from the opening week of the season when Saints had commitments in the FFA Cup.
Howard expects to have a full roster available for tomorrow's game. While the season is just seven games old, Howard said the match is of vital importance to both sides in the race to secure a place in the top five.
However, Howard added the Wildcats also have to start winning matches back-to-back to stay in touch with the front runners and avoid having to play catch-up later in the year.
The Wildcats face Wallis Lake next Saturday - a team Taree has struggled against in the last few years.
Howard will start the same side tomorrow as drew with United last week.
"We're keen for this one,'' Howard said.
He believes controlling possession will be an important factor this week. Howard said the Tigers will field a young and energetic side, so he wants to cut down their options.
"Our last two games have been good,'' Howard said.
"But now we have to build on that now.''
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Meanwhile Kempsey Saints and Camden Haven drew 0-0 in a deferred game at Kempsey on Wednesday night.
Kempsey now holds down fifth place and are two points clear of the Wildcats, Tuncurry-Forster and Camden Haven. Wauchope, without a win and on three points, appears out of the running for a top five spot.
Port United leads the competition on 19 points with Port Saints second on 17. Macleay Valley, the defending premiers follow on 16 with Wallis Lake on 12.
Kempsey Saints will face a tough task when they travel to Boronia Park at Forster on Saturday to meet Wallis Lake, just days after playing Camden Haven in the mid-week contest.
Camden Haven has the luxury of the bye.
The game of the round will be between the two leading sides, Port Saints and Port United at Findlay Park.
Macleay Rangers should take the points from last placed Wauchope in the clash at Dangar Street, Kempsey.
There will be a general bye in the premier league over the June long weekend.