Cellar-dwellers look to end win drought
IT is now or never for Claremont and Lindisfarne in the Southern Football League as they search for their first win of the season.
Claremont sits last after three games, while the premier Lindisfarne sits seventh with an 0-2 record.
With only six rounds left in the shortened competition every point is vital, and Lindisfarne’s Michael Blackburn said his side knew it.
“A loss this weekend (Saturday) and that is our finals hopes goodbye, so we have all the pressure on us going into this weekend,” Blackburn said.
“I think we have been the hunted in the first two rounds and this weekend we have nothing to lose.”
He said his team had been playing patchy football, but that its best was still up with the top of the competition.
“I think the intensity that both Hobart and Cygnet brought, we just weren’t ready for that,” he said.
“I think the bye came at a good time, so we’re really looking forward to this week.”
Claremont coach Luke Potter said his side had the best week of training this season and was ready to go against the competition heavyweight.
“They’ve been the benchmark for the last couple of years so we’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can respond,” Potter said.
“They are in a similar position to us and looking to get their first win too, so I reckon it will be a good battle.”
Conditions for Saturday afternoon are forecast to be wet, with dominating the midfield key to winning the contest.
Blackburn is one of multiple additions for the visiting Lindisfarne, with Kieran Rodgers back in the side.
The Two Blues also welcome two debutants to the team in the shape of with Tom Curry and Sheldon Smith.
Claremont hosts Lindisfarne at Abbotsfield Park from 2.30pm on Saturday.
In other Saturday games, Huonville hosts ladder leader Hobart at Huonville and Sorell hosts Cygnet at Pembroke Park, both at 2pm. In the second 2.30pm game, New Norfolk welcomes Dodges Ferry to Boyer, while Brighton has the bye.