In Form And Heading For The Heights
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday July 19, 2008
WOLLONGONG FC have the chance tonight to cash in on their superb recent form.
The Wolves will be gunning for their sixth NSW Premier League win in a row when they host Sydney United at Crehan Park from 7pm. A win would bring the Wolves level on points with competition leaders Sutherland and set up a potentially premiership-deciding match in round 22.Fifth-placed United could seal a berth in the five-team play-off series with a win - they are two competition points ahead of sixth-placed APIA but have a game in hand.Tonight's deferred round 17 game is the only NSW Premier League clash to be played this weekend and a chance for the red-hot Wolves to fire a warning shot over the bows of their championship rivals.Wollongong FC coach John Turner expects the visitors to be desperate for a win."If they lose to us, they will be in danger of missing the finals altogether," Turner said. "They will be very dangerous, they have a lot of tall timber and talent all over the park."Turner nominated ex-Perth Glory striker Luka Glavas as one player Wollongong's defence will have to watch. Although he says tonight's match is a must-win for Sydney United, Turner believes a draw would still keep the Wolves on track for the premiership."We can still win the premiership if we beat Sutherland in the last round," he said. "All we have done so far is put ourselves in a position to challenge for the premiership."The Wolves will be missing defender Michael West (shin injury) and substitute Lachlan Cahill is still trialling with a club in Denmark. Turner remained undecided yesterday on whether Justin Pasfield or Michael Turnbull would be in goal."I want them both to work with me - at the end of the day I'll be making my decision with my head, not my heart," Turner said. Meantime, Turner doesn't expect striker Osagie Ederaro (broken foot) to return this season.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
