Budgewoi v Killarney
Budgewoi will be forced to recover quick from their Association Cup Final when they host a desperate Killarney side this Sunday for our Round 3 Match of the Round.
Last year marked Budgewoi’s return to the Men’s Premier League for the first time since 2015. The opening fixture of their return to the competition was an away fixture against Killarney as Budgewoi defeated the defending League Champions 3-0.
Jay Swadling featured on the scoresheet that day for Budgewoi, however, a year later Swadling will don the black and white of Killarney as he looks to feature on the scoresheet again, this time against his former club as the Terriers search for their first win in 2025.
In their second meeting last year, it was Killarney who came out on top, defeating Haydn Appo’s side 5-2 thanks to a brace from 2024 Player of the Year Ryan Gibson.
Although Gibson has registered to go another year, any injury in their opening fixture to Southern has seen him sideline ever since as his absence on the pitch has been felt.
Their clash this weekend will be another intense one as Budgewoi will look to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat against Southern & Ettalong in round 2.
After putting together a near-perfect display on opening day, beating Terrigal 2-0, Appo’s men failed to get a result the following week despite getting themselves back on level terms after being 2-0 down.
“The opening two rounds have been positive. Although it’s not two from two (wins), there were positive signs coming out of both rounds. Against Southern, we conceded through our own mistakes, more than their creativity. That’s definitely an area that we need to improve on,” asserted Appo.
Before these two sides step on the park, Budgewoi will go head-to-head with Woongarrah on Anzac Day at Pluim Park as they look to be crowned the 2025 Men’s Association Cup winners in both grades.
Appo commented on how he plans to manage his players over these important fixtures and short turn around. “The management of the entire squad will be challenging.”
“With both First and Reserve grade playing on Anzac Day, we know that we are stretched further than both sets of opponents, as they have their full squads to tinker with for just the one game.”
“As challenging as this is, it’s a privilege to be in this situation and a testament to all the boys at the club including our Men’s U23s.”
Despite their lacklustre start to 2025, Appo is well aware of the dangers Killarney possess and just how good they are at showing up when there is a lot on the line.
“Chris knows how to get his boys ready for a big game, and Sunday will be that for us. Especially knowing that it will be our second game in 48 hours.”
To walk away with the three points, Appo stated, “I expect Killarney to bring energy and enthusiasm, and we will need to match that, as well as take our chances this Sunday.”
It has been an extremely frustrating opening two fixtures for Chris Ackerley. Round 1 saw Ackerley’s men enter the final ten minutes of the match against Southern 2-0 up despite having one less man.
Southern then received a red card to level the playing terms and somehow were able to find three goals in the dying stages to hand Killarney a 3-2 defeat.
On the road in their second fixture, Ackerley’s men once again held a lead before conceding three goals to the newly promoted Ourimbah who secured a 3-1 victory over the Terriers.
Ackerley, who will be stepping down from his head coach role of Killarney at the end of the season, spoke on the positives and negatives of their opening matches.
“We’ve led both games to start the season, which is pleasing, but we have not finished off the games. We must concentrate for the full ninety minutes and not give away silly goals.”
Ackerley has accomplished a lot during his time at Killarney including leading this squad to an unprecedented and historic seven straight League Champions titles.
When questioned if he has anything else he wishes to accomplish, Ackerley answered, “As it’s my final year with Killarney, I would like to think that what we have set up will continue.”
“We try our best to give our local juniors, the chance to play first grade, and I’m sure this year a few more local juniors will get their first grade debuts. I’m sure no matter where I end up it will continue.”
Under Ackerley, Killarney have never started a season with three straight losses as he admits he is expecting a tough encounter away at Budgewoi.
“Budgewoi will be an extremely difficult opponent who have recruited really well and are one of the favourites.”
“We will have to be aware of their attacking players who they seem to have an abundance of & try to keep them quiet, also their delivery from set pieces which is very dangerous.”
“For us to come away with victory we must limit our mistakes, and take any chances that come our way, I’m sure it will be a tough but entertaining game.”
Match Official – Jasper White
All Round 3 Fixtures –
