Story and photo courtesy of Northern NSW Football
Match of the Round
Wallsend v Merewether
Sunday 13th May, 2:30 pm
Wallsend Park
Last start: Wallsend beat Thornton 4-1, Merewether beat Adamstown 5-0.
Position on ladder: Wallsend fourth, 13 points; Merewether third, 16 points
Squad news
Wallsend is without Jess Evans for the next two weeks due to work placement in an otherwise full-strength side. Centre midfield Leah Giuffre returns for Merewether after missing last weekend’s match due to work commitments.
What the coaches say
Wallsend coach March Hingston believes his side can take the three points if they play to their potential.
“Our standard of football was excellent last week but we’re looking to improve another five percent,” Hingston said.
“We’ve been working on being more clinical in front of goals at training as well.
“We know we won’t get 27 attempts on Sunday so our decision making will be a big focus.”
Merewether coach Cass Koppen is expecting a tough match despite beating Wallsend 4-0 in Round three.
“We know Wallsend won’t give an inch and anticipate they will be putting up a stronger performance than we faced in Round one,” Koppen said.
Bottom line
Merewether have scored 10 goals in their last two games and should be hungry for more come Sunday afternoon. They are strong across the park and each player is comfortable with their role in the team. On the other hand, Wallsend will be hoping to build on last weekend’s strong showing against Thornton which should see them produce the attacking play they are known for. Both sides have ‘star’ players who are instrumental to their side’s success which will make for an exciting game on Mother’s Day. This game will be likely decided by executing opportunities with Merewether in the box seat to take the three points.