Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football
Wallsend v Thornton
Sunday 6th May, 2:30 pm
The Gardens
Last start: Wallsend lost 4-1 to New Lambton, Thornton lost 4-1 to Adamstown
Position on ladder: Wallsend 4th, 10 points; Thornton last, nil points
Squad news
Wallsend will take the field with a full-strength side as Libby Copus-Brown returns from tonsillitis. An undecided Thornton side with a mounting injury list won’t be finalised until after training on Thursday.
What the coaches say
Wallsend coach Marc Hingston is asking for consistency from his side after failing to close out last weekends game against New Lambton.
“Our past five games we have either led comfortably or been in control but our second half has let us down,” Hingston said.
“We spoke about having a desire to change this at training so hopefully we can flick the switch and perform for 90 minutes.
“We’re really excited to play our first game at The Gardens this year.”
Thornton coach Rob Richardson is hoping his side will enjoy football and not pressure themselves to get the result on Sunday.
“Whilst we are disappointed with our last outing, it’s obvious the pressure to succeed is having a reverse effect,” Richardson said.
“This weekend is about getting the girls to enjoy football and just have fun.”
Bottom line
Wallsend will be hoping to get back on track and extend their top four lead even further which should see them come out fired up and ready to play. When at their best, the Devils are no doubt a force to be reckoned with and can give any team a run for their money. Wallsend can create and execute opportunities that other teams simply couldn’t and that is a huge advantage heading into the match. Whilst Thornton may not appear to be a threat, it would be dangerous to discount a side hungry for their first win of the season. Not having the added pressure of trying to get a result will alleviate the stress they have been feeling the past few weeks. A changed line-up could be the key to winning and if they can overcome a strong Wallsend side, the momentum will start to flow for the Redbacks.