Kanwal v Terrigal
This week’s MPL match of the round is a battle of second verses third as Terrigal travel to Wadalba Sports Complex, the home of the Bulls, and look to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact against a determined Kanwal who will be adamant in keeping their position on top of Terrigal on the ladder.
It was a disappointing end to the year for Kanwal last season who missed out on finals football in the final minute of their final game. But the Bulls have shown so far in 2024 that they once again are a finals football contender and even a challenger for League Champions.
Despite a fantastic start to the season, coach Ryan Walker knows that his team must not get ahead of themselves and must continue to show up to every game with the correct attitude.
“To be honest I am not too concerned where we are on the ladder at the moment as it is still very early days, our message as a group is just to take it one game at a time.”
Kanwal’s Mason Lavery has been in terrific form to start the season, netting five goals to his name so far in 2024.
The 2023 MPL Golden Boot winner has also started his campaign in fine form, recording four goals in five games as Kanwal currently boasts the second-best attacking return in the league.
When asked about their tremendous goal scoring return, Walker stated, “It’s no secret that we are a very direct team, but I think our attack stems from our relentless work rate in defence and always trying to outwork the opposition physically.”
“However, if I am being honest we still definitely miss a lot more opportunities then we score.”
Kanwal’s only loss of the season so far came on the road against Berkeley Vale as the Wombats were able to keep the Bulls at bay to record a 1-0 victory.
Their only other away game this season was in their last fixture against Budgewoi as an early goal would be the only difference in that contest which saw the Bulls win 1-0.
Their goal scoring ability definitely benefits them when playing at home in front of a home crowd as Kanwal have scored 13 goals in just three fixtures at Wadalba Sports Complex.
Walker will be hoping for more success in front of goal come Sunday as they prepare to take on one of the best defensive outfits in the competition.
“I haven’t seen Terrigal play this year, so I do not have much of an idea on what to anticipate from them.”
“I did hear they lost a few players at the start of the year so I was under the impression they might have been a weaker outfit then they have been in the past but looking at their results this year that’s obviously not the case and that’s a big credit to Ryan and the foundations they have as a club.”
Despite not knowing much about the opposition, Walker mentioned he has heard some reports about their playing style but states if his team can achieve what they set out to achieve they will be hard to beat.
“I have heard rumours that they may have adopted a similar strategy to the way we play but we will have to wait and see.”
“I believe if we can stay disciplined in defence and stick to our structures we will be a good chance of picking up the points.”
Much like Walker eluded to, many thought Terrigal’s recent dynasty of making three straight MPL Grand Finals would take a hit this season with the loss of their coach and multiple key players.
However, player-coach Ryan Pearce has stepped up to the task and after five games the O’lads find themselves in familiar territory inside the top four on the ladder.
Terrigal are also just one of two teams that are yet to lose a game at this stage of the season with Berkeley Vale being the other team that also remains undefeated.
Terrigal opened their year with a 3-2 win over Woy Woy and backed that up in their next fixture defeating Avoca 6-2.
Terrigal then went on to record a tight 1-0 win in the first leg of the Ash Grant Cup against Killarney before following that result up with two draws against Berkeley Vale (1-1) and Woongarrah (0-0).
After scoring 9 goals in their opening two fixtures, Terrigal have only been able to produce 2 goals in their following three games which could be a worrying sign for the O’lads attack.
Sunday’s meeting with Kanwal will mark just the second time this season Terrigal have faced another team in the top five as the O’lads have a golden opportunity to jump the Bulls on the ladder and possibly back into first place depending on if other results go their way.
Pearce is extremely excited for the test that lies ahead in round 9 as he anticipates the opposition to give everything they have for the entirety of the match.
“I expect them to be extremely fast and fit. From all reports they have been a fast counter attacking team who will threaten for the full 90 minutes. Credit to Ryan for how well his squad are doing in all grades.”
When analysing what his team must to do to be successful come Sunday, Pearce voiced, “We need to be disciplined in certain areas of the field to limit their strengths and continue to build upon our own style of play.”
“I think this will be a cracking game and we’re looking forward to it.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
All Round 9 Fixtures –
