Woy Woy v East Gosford
What better way to kick off the 2023 Men’s Scribal Premier League competition than with our two newly promoted clubs battling it out in Round 1. A hungry Woy Woy will welcome East Gosford to Austin Butler Oval as both teams will look to start their campaign with maximum points to their name.
Woy Woy find themselves back in MPL after a very successful 2022 which saw the Roosters finish in second place in both First and Reserve Grade. Neal Morris takes the reigns of Woy Woy once again this season, as he looks to build on the success he had with this squad last year.
“Pre-season for First Grade was very solid playing 5 games total, 2 of these being Australia Cup games against quality Sydney teams from Narellan and Kellyville. The patience, discipline and quality football we played was the best the club has ever had. I could not have asked for a better pre-season from my boys and also the Ressies boys that came on and came off the bench. This proved to me that this squad can be very competitive in the MPL this year. Ressies and 21’s did a good job playing up a grade while we played Aus Cup and we are now working close together on the squad to be even better. Lots was learnt over the pre-season which we take into the winter competition.”
Neal also added, “compared to last year, we had great interest from other players wanting to join our club, from that we recruited very well, and the new combinations have worked out brilliantly. The culture at this club is in a great place and will continue to get better. with the new inclusions to our squad, mixed in with what we had, I expect us to be finishing at least mid-table but really pushing for top 4 if we maintain our pre-season form and we stay healthy with injuries.”
Woy Woy will enjoy the luxury of starting their year in front of a home crowd, which served as a fortress for this side last season as they were able to win 6 out of their 8 home fixtures in 2022. However, one of those losses did come at the hands of East Gosford when the Rams got up 3-2 in a very tight affair.
These two teams will be very familiar with each other come Sunday, having faced each other a total of three times last season and also once this year already in the Premier Autocare Association Cup. East Gosford walked away 4-1 winners in First Grade in Round 2 of the Association Cup, but pre-season is only pre-season, and you can expect this weekend to be a lot closer contest.
“A win on Sunday in all grades would be massive, especially with our discipline and focus that has been top class to date. I expect East Gosford to come out firing just like they did last year, they have quality all over the park and we need to be switched on from the start and prove a point with our good football to come out as winners,” voiced Neal.
Being one of the biggest clubs in CCF, it seems right that East Gosford has returned to the topflight competition on the Central Coast. The Rams smashed Division 1 in 2022, finishing the year with a record of 14 wins, 3 draws, and just one loss throughout the entire winter season, rightfully earning a spot in MPL this season.
East Gosford had a tremendous run in the Association Cup to qualify for the semi-finals as they defeated Wyoming (5-0), Woy Woy (4-1), and Kariong (5-1). Unfortunately, a 5-1 defeat to Division 1 side Budgewoi saw the Rams fail to book a spot in this year’s Association Cup Final.
“The preseason has been hectic but beneficial, with Association Cup, Australia Cup, and a couple of trials we feel our preparation has been solid. Pre-season has been an adjustment with the addition of the 21s. Bringing them in and getting used to the added numbers and squad size is a challenge as they are an important part of our preparation for the season. The coaching staff to be honest are still working through our final teams which is always the challenge,” spoke Rams head coach Ricky Sansom.
Having already beaten this Woy Woy outfit this season, Ricky’s side should enter this weekend’s match of the round fixture with plenty of confidence, but Ricky stated he will enter this game as he would against any other MPL side, and the main focus will be on his squad, not the opposition.
“The season is not won or lost on the first day, but every side wants a good showing for their own confidence. For some, it will be a totally new experience, but I have complete confidence in the boys we have to represent this club the way it deserves at this level. To be playing Woy Woy in our first game really has no significance. They are a premier league side like any other we will be playing and will be shown as much respect, we just need to focus on us, as with every game.”
“Our expectations for the coming season are realistic. We need to find our feet, the level we are at and the ability to produce week in and out at this level. We have the squad for the challenge,” added Ricky.
All MPL Round 1 Fixtures:
