Time to travel for Team Taranaki
After opening their Central League season with a 1-0 win at home, Team Taranaki head to Wellington this weekend for a meeting with Stop Out.
And if history is anything to go by, they could be in for a close encounter.
In the teams’ past four meetings, Stop Out have won two, Energyworks Team Taranaki have won one with the other being a draw – the the goal tally being 8-7 in favour of Stop Out over those matches.
Stop Out, who finished the league in fifth last year, opened their account with a strong 4-0 opening round win over Wellington United.
They have strengthened their squad by adding 2016 league golden boot winner Jeram Tuck from Palmerston North Marist among other notable signings.
The Taranaki side welcome back Jeremy Hill this weekend, as the only change to the main squad, adding more experience and a physical presence to the defensive line.
Team Taranaki coach Ian McGrath said he was thrilled with the win last week,and the team would carry optimism and ambition into this game.
‘‘There is always a lot of anticipation and expectation around the first game that often impacts on overall performance, but I thought we managed the game reasonably well and we were the better team for the most part.
‘‘During our better periods, we should definitely have scored a couple more goals to increase the winning margin and ease the pressure that was created by sitting on a 1-0 lead, but I am not complaining, we got what we deserved and managed the game very well to take the three points.’’
With five more games in April, McGrath expected the side would automatically develop more consistency in their play, along with better combinations between players and a sharper mental focus.
‘‘We know that key moments will win and lose games and will expect a tougher assignment against Stop Out this weekend, but we are really excited about this game and look forward to taking them on.
‘‘There is no pressure on my players, other than an expectation to maintain the high standards that we set for ourselves every week and, when we deliver on that, we will be difficult to play against and capable of winning games at this level home and away.’’