Despite being a title contender in 2014, many pundits would not have picked Parkes United to be sitting on top of this season’s womens Western Premier League table after five rounds.
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But, after wins against Lithgow Zig Zag, Orange Confederates, Dubbo Bluejays and Bathurst St Pats, that is exactly where the black, red and whites are.
With four wins from as many matches, United sit on 16 points and have a two point gap to last season’s champions Lithgow Panthers.
Both sides have already had a bye which provides no points.
The key to United’s early success has been outstanding defensive structure which has only allowed three goals, easily the best record in the competition.
Parkes have conceded less than half the goals Panthers have and half as many as third place Bathurst City.
Defence will be a key component again tomorrow when United welcome Orange Ex-Services to Stephen Davies Field for Round 6.
Ex-Services sit eight points below the leaders, but are coming off a good win against Dubbo last Saturday.
United coach Aaron Huppatz is happy his side currently leads the competition but believe they will need to be near their best to get the four points against a determined Orange side tomorrow.
“It is great that we are sitting on top of the competition, but we are not getting carried away with anything,” Huppatz said.
“It is very early on in the season and we know we have a lot of improving to do between now and the end if we are to stay on top.
“Last week’s win against a very good St Pat’s team was a good indication of the mental strength of the squad.
“We kept fighting right until the final minute and got the rewards with a late winner.
“We missed a few chances which we would hope to score, however, last season we struggled to create those chances.
“In some matches we only created two chances and scored them both.
“This year we are creating a lot more.
“If we can convert a few more of them than we are at the moment, it will put us in a really strong position.
“Our defence is rock solid which is great.
“We will hope to continue to be strong at the back tomorrow and hopefully put away a few more chances.
“If we can do that, we will be a match for any team in the competition,” he said.
Tomorrow’s match between Parkes United and Orange Ex-Services starts at 1.30pm.
