The Middies haven't won a first grade match since the corresponding game last round when they tackled New Lambton at Taree. New Lambton sits in last place on the ladder, with Mid Coast second last.

Mid Coast coach Mick Grass admits making the semi-finals is now an impossible dream for the first grade side. However, the Middies can go a long way to avoiding the wooden spoon by bringing some points home on Sunday.

"We're not really thinking about that though,'' he said.

"We just want to start producing some better performances. We know we're capable of doing that.''

Last week Mid Coast only trailed competition leaders Newcastle Olympic 1-0 at halftime, but fell away in the second to go down 5-0.

The Middies are starting to get some players back across both first and reserve grades.

Josie Mays is making a gradual return from a back problem and she could play more minutes this week while reserve grade keeper Shelby McKenzie is back from injury and will play both grades.

"We should have enough senior players for two starting teams but we'll be using the juniors to fill bench spots,'' Grass said.