Kanwal v Woongarrah
The highly anticipated local derby between Kanwal and Woongarrah will headline round 4 of the 2024 MPL season.
Although this local rivalry between these two clubs is the newest one to brace the Central Coast, this fixture always lives up to expectations and Saturday night under the bright lights of Wadalba Sports Complex is shaping up to be no different.
Kanwal and their loyal fan base have been extremely vocal about what they think of Woongarrah’s off-season signings, especially when their rivals lost their opening fixture of the year 6-0 at home to Avoca.
Kanwal got their season underway with a win over East Gosford in a hard-fought, comeback victory as they defeated the Rams 5-2.
The Bulls struggled to convert chances in their second fixture and make it two wins from two as a missed penalty and lack of decisiveness saw Ryan Walker’s side fall 1-0 to competition favourites Berkeley Vale.
Ryan Walker enters another year in charge of Kanwal as the Bulls failed to qualify for finals in 2023 on the final minute of the final day of the season. Walker and his squad will be determined to get back to playing finals football again in 2024.
“Our ambitions and goals for the year I would say are similar to everyone else and that’s to make finals,” declared Walker.
Walker and his team will enter Saturday’s night clash with their rivals with an advantage after having already claimed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Wildcats in preseason.
When questioned about what a win this weekend will mean to the club and his players, Walker stated, “Winning the game doesn’t give you extra points on the table, however of course, if we could get one over our local rival it would feel a lot more satisfying then a regular game.”
Walker also added, “I think it is very clear that they have a good team on paper. I anticipate them to be good with the ball, other than that I don’t know much more about them.”
Kanwal and their signature deep defensive block make them one of the best defensive teams in the league and keeping Woongarrah’s attacking threats at bay will play a pivotal part in their success this weekend.
As has been the case in the past with this matchup, form goes out the window and usually the winner is the one who wants it most on the day which is something Walker reiterated when asked what his side will need to do to secure all three points.
“I think in derby a lot of it comes down to the team who wants it more, so if we can win our battles hopefully we can come away with the points.”
As for the visitors on Saturday, Woongarrah look to be improving every time they step on the pitch as their new squad is still learning to play together as a team.
After their disappointing and uncharacteristic loss in their opening fixture, last weekend saw the Wildcats face title contenders Southern in what was a much better day out for Luke Rogers and his side.
Woongarrah found themselves up with a 3-0 lead, however, tired legs and a never-say-die attitude from the opposition saw the Wildcats leave James Bowne Oval with just a point after the contest finished 3-3.
Now with their attention turned to Kanwal, Woongarrah will be looking to improve once again as Luke Rogers and his men have been itching to get back on the pitch against the Bulls.
“The new boys found out all about the rivalry between the two clubs and how much the derby means to both. When Kanwal celebrated by singing their team song on the field after their preseason victory, it really hit home to the new players of our squad,” spoke Rogers.
Searching for their first win of the season, a win away from home against their local rivals will be a great way to kick start Woongarrah’s season who on paper have the personnel in their squad to challenge for the title.
Rogers knows that Kanwal will be firing and ready to go as he anticipates a very sharp and committed opposition. “Ryan has done a great job with his side, and you can see they have picked right up from where they left off from last season.”
“They are a fit and well-drilled side who all know their roles. I’m sure the way Kanwal have been playing they will be confident at home of getting the job done on Saturday night.”
“A derby win away from home would be massive. We haven’t had a win this season so the three points and a derby win would be fantastic,” mentioned Rogers.
In both fixtures so far this season, Woongarrah have set the tone early with their possession and quality on the ball, but we are yet to see the Wildcats respond to conceding a goal by getting a goal of their own which could play a huge factor again this weekend if Kanwal opening the scoring first.
Rogers finished by saying, “To get the points on Saturday night at Kanwal, we will have to have a better mentality and play with more passion than we did against them in the pre-season cup.”
“We are still finding our feet as a side but I’m looking to build off our performance against Southern with another improved showing than the last.”
The time for talking is almost over as both teams will be eagerly anticipating kick-off in front of a healthy and vocal crowd, Saturday at Wadalba Sports Complex will be one not to miss come 7pm.
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
All Round 4 Fixtures –
