Wyoming v Killarney
Only two points separate these two sides ahead of their Match of the Round fixture this Saturday night at The Den.
After a 5-3 encounter in their clash earlier this season in round 6 at Bloodtree Oval that finished in favour of Killarney, Wyoming will be adamant on getting it right this time in front of a home crowd.
When reflecting on the earlier loss against Killarney, Scott Snodgrass admitted he was at fault that night. “We changed up our tactics, and I got it wrong in that fixture.”
“Taking the best defender in the league out of his natural position was done with the best intentions, but it upset our backline balance. Killarney were solid on the night, and their finishing was first-class. I expect much of the same from them, it’s always a battle.”
“A send-off didn’t help our cause in the first game, but I was happy that we didn’t capitulate after being down four-nil at the half. We have added players since then, and I believe we are now a better side.”
Wyoming were the only MPL side to get on the park last Sunday as they travelled to Budgewoi Oval to face the League Leaders for their ‘Old Boys Day’. Despite a positive first half, Snodgrass and his men went down 4-0 as they look to pick the pieces up at home this Saturday.
Although Wyoming enters this weekend just two points behind fifth place Terrigal, only two points separate them from Killarney, who currently sit on the same points as last place. This means a loss against Killarney again would see them swap places with the Terriers and possible fall to the bottom of the ladder.
Looking at the current standings on the table, Snodgrass is hopeful that five more points in their final four games will be enough to retain a spot in MPL for 2026.
“I’d say 19 points and we are safe, but I haven’t really done the math, and it’s a cliche, but it’s game by game for us.”
“Training has been solid as always with great numbers, and there is no indication of pressure so far. I certainly don’t feel it, the players, my staff and the committee have been first class this season.”
Touching more on his squad and their fitness and availability heading into the weekend, Snodgrass commented, “We have had long-term injuries and availability issues all year, that’s nothing new. No excuses from us.”
“I’m keeping it very simple this week, defensive shape, discipline, and taking our chances. Training has been set up around those two principles”
Snodgrass also voiced what he believes are the keys to success for his squad when they step onto the park Saturday night. “Certainly bringing the energy and competitiveness to match our opposition is crucial. They can trouble any team on their day. Largely though, we are focusing on ourselves.”
“We tested both Southern and Berkeley in previous weeks, but were poor against Terrigal. Finding that consistency and putting together 90 minutes of complete football is something we have rarely done this season. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance of a result.”
As for the visitors Killarney, this side just last year were coming off a historic season of winning their seventh straight MPL First Grade League Champions, however, after a 1-1 draw with Woongarrah and defeat to Avoca this past Tuesday, the Terriers find themselves in the relegation play-off zone.
In unfamiliar territory for Killarney, who have been the gold standard of the MPL competition in the last decade, Chris Ackerley is confident his squad have the morale to avoid relegation.
“The boy’s attitude is high at the moment as we all realise that everything is in our own hands and feel confident that if we play to our capabilities, we will be fine.”
Ackerley is also well aware that Wyoming are a different side to the one they played earlier in the year. “Wyoming in the first round were a very young side who had a few players unavailable that night.”
“Since that they have had a few more experienced players added and have competed very well against the top 4 sides. It’s going to be an extremely hard match with a lot at stake for both sides in their quest to climb up the table.”
Player selection has been quite the nightmare for Ackerley this season, who has lost multiple players through injury and travel.
Killarney’s biggest loss this season would be Ryan Gibson, who in his first year last year took home the honours of Player of the Year. Gibson, who scored 14 goals for the Terries last season, got injured at the start of the season and has played less than a handful of games for them.
Despite this headache, Ackerley knows many other clubs are in a similar position. “As with every club, at the moment we seem to have a fair bit of sickness around.”
“Come Thursday at training, we will see who’s available and pick squads from there, and hopefully a couple of the injured boys will be able to play.”
Ackerley will have Killarney prepared to deal with all of Wyoming’s threats as they search for their fourth win of the season and some breathing room from the bottom of the ladder.
“We will have to be aware of their long throws as it has seemed to cause chaos in the games that I have watched, their ability on the break, it should be a good game with both sides having a lot to play for.”
“My message to the players will be to enjoy the game and be brave in every decision that you make and do.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
All Round 15 Fixtures –
