Umina v East Gosford
Umina will enter this important match of the round fixture looking to avenge their biggest loss of the year as they welcome title contenders East Gosford to Umina Oval.
When these two sides met last time in round 10 at Pluim Park, The Rams managed to score five past the Umina backline to claim a 5-2 win over the E-Gals.
Steve Donaldson’s side has turned a corner since that defeat, picking up three straight wins whilst managing to score a minimum of four goals in each of those games.
However, those three straight victories have come against the three bottom teams on the ladder as the E-Gals have struggled to claim wins over the top three this season.
To make matters worse for Umina, they will be entering this significant fixture not having stepped on the park in over two weeks thanks to a bye in round 14 and a washout last week.
However, Steve Donaldson mentioned that this layoff of games couldn’t have come at a better time. “It’s been a pretty decent time to have two weeks off. Riddled with sicknesses this season, along with the extended time to rest a few niggling injuries amongst the squad.”
Despite a lack of playing time this month, the E-Gals will step onto Umina Oval this weekend which continues to serve as a fortress for this side who are yet to lose at their home ground in 2023.
“Last encounter with East Gosford was arguably the worst we’ve ever played, with five goals being the most I’ve conceded over my five years coaching in the WPL,” admitted Steve.
“However, we are looking different as we were rather understrength with many players out of position that day. I don’t expect too much different from East Gosford due to their domination last time out.”
These two sides also met back in round 3 at Umina Oval and on that day the points were shared in a 1-1 draw so Umina will enter this weekend knowing they have what it takes to match it with this side as they search for a crucial three points and look to hand the Rams just their second loss of 2023.
“One-on-one matchups, as always with East Gosford are the main part of the game. Both teams have really strong individual players that can turn the game on its head at any moment.”
The high-flying Rams squad will be eager to step back on the pitch following their last fixture where they scored a massive 15 goals to defeat last-place Killarney in their ninth win of the season.
After sitting out last weekend for their third and final bye of the year, East Gosford will look to continue to build on the momentum from the last game as they face the task of catching up to first-place Terrigal who currently sit just three points ahead of the Rams.
The challenge is simple for Jorge Chavez and his side, win their remaining games and they could be crowned the 2023 WPL League Champions.
“We are coming to the business end of the season. It’s a very tight season this year with the top spot still up for grabs. This Sunday’s game against Umina is a must-win game for both teams,” voiced Jorge.
Although the task at hand seems simple, making it a reality is a very difficult challenge as the Rams still have to play the defending champs this weekend and still have one more fixture against the undefeated league leadersTerrigal.
The Rams have been so dominant in 2023, currently recording the best-attacking record in the league with an outstanding 66 goals in just 12 games which is an average of over 5 goals a game which reigned true the last time these two sides met, having beaten this side in a convincing 5-2 win.
“History shows that Umina is most dangerous at the pointy end of the season. We expect them to come out hungry. We will have to match their intensity early on and try and get into our rhythm as soon as possible”
Coming off an immaculate win and having beaten this team in their last encounter, The Rams should enter this weekend’s fixture with plenty of confidence and momentum as they look to keep within winning distance of the league leaders.
Looking towards the weekend, Jorge voiced his team will be extremely close to having everyone available as he focuses on taking maximum points back to East Gosford.
“With almost a full-strength squad to choose from this Sunday, we will have multiple scorers in our lineup and are looking forward to a great game and hopefully walking away with the six points as we push for a top-two finish.”
Match Official – Christopher Robinson
All Round 17 Fixtures –
