The Parkes United mens Premier League hockey side will be looking for an improved performance this Saturday when they host the Dubbo Lions at Stephen Davies Field.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last weekend United escaped with a win over Bathurst City 5-4 in the final minutes while Dubbo pushed premiership favourites St Pats to the end, going down 2-1.
They showed when they have all hands on deck they are better than their bottom of the ladder position shows.
Dubbo have been in the same position as United though, struggling for consistent numbers when travelling.
So the side that turns up tomorrow is a bit of an unknown.
United enjoyed solid numbers at training again and were able to work on the facets of their play that nearly cost them against City, especially finishing as a number of chances went wide in that game.
While up front they missed numerous opportunities to put the game out of City’s reach, defensively they were also suspect as United did not pressure their opponents when on the ball.
This allowed them opportunities to make decisive passes into the circle.
With both these aspects worked on at training, United are confident of an improved showing.
“Last week we were lucky to get the win,” defender Dan Wilson said.
“I think a lot of that came down to mindset as we took them lightly.
“That is not how we want to play.
“After getting on top early last week and having a few missed penalty corners, we moved away from what we were doing and into a longer style of play.
“That was nowhere near as effective and City were able to set themselves up defensively.
“I don’t think we had another corner after that initial period and when you have guys like Jack Elliott and Brad Gardiner flicking them, we need to make the most of that talent.
“The way we are trying to play is all about ball movement and off the ball running.
“This will create the space needed to attack and this week will be about sticking to the game plan for the full match.
“Dubbo will provide a good test of what we are doing up front as they are a physical team in defence.
“In the past they have got 11 players behind the ball and really congested the attacking 25.
“It will come down to patience with the ball for us and we need to be ready to capitalise on the chances we create,” he said.
There will be a number of changes to the United side with Brad Gardiner, Matt Job, Aaron Wright and Will Searl all unavailable. The final team was to be confirmed after last night’s local A grade round was completed.
United’s game against Lions hits off at 2:50pm after the United women host Ex-Services at 1:30pm.
