Team Taranaki pick up pace in run home
Team Taranaki’s match against Palmerston North Boys’ High School at Pukekura Park tomorrow is critical if the composite side is to win the Federation Football League.
It’s a must-win game irrespective of the result of the catch-up game between North End and Wanganui Athletic today.
Wanganui Athletic are second and just one point behind Team Taranaki on the league table, with a game in hand.
After tomorrow’s game, Team Taranaki have just one more in the competition – a game against Wanganui Athletic, their arch rivals.
The players have done some soul searching since their shock 4-2 away loss to Palmerston North side North End.
‘‘We saw an immediate reaction from the players in terms of intensity and desire at training this week, which was what I was obviously looking for,’’ coach Ian McGrath said.
‘‘We want to put things right this week.’’
McGrath said Palmerston North can expect a backlash.
‘‘We were excellent against them in round one in a 5-0 win away from home – possibly our most complete performance of the season,’’ he said.
‘‘However, we are not going to take them lightly and know full well that they are capable of causing upsets.’’
Team Taranaki will have a full bench for tomorrow’s game including Ash Reader-Nokes, Johnny Fletcher, Chad Jones and team captain Scotty Manson. Centre midfielder Morgan Hall has been in good form and is expected to be in the starting lineup.
McGrath said the return from injury of Manson after missing last week’s game is a major boost to the team as he adds direction and leadership.
New Plymouth Rangers striker and ex-Team Taranaki player, Brad Hickling has also been drafted in to provide attacking options off the bench, while Dommie Squatriti, who is carrying a hernia injury, will sit out the match.