TIGERS women’s soccer side will be eager for victory tonight against Isaroos.
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The first-placed Tigers’ only loss for the season came in the Mount Isa Cup match a couple of weeks ago at the Mount Isa soccer grounds.
Tigers coach Arthur McHugh believes his side learnt the hard way for not getting enough players to their recent matches.
“When we get a full complement of players to the game, we are very hard to beat, as everyone has found their role in the side,” he said.
“It’s when I’m forced to play people out of position that we sometimes get caught out.”
With only four rounds remaining until the finals, McHugh is determined to lock up the minor premiership in the coming weeks.
“We have exceeded my expectations so far, having not lost a regular season match thus far,” he said.
“But now we are in this position, we have to continue to improve with an eye on the finals.”
McHugh expects his side to move one step closer to minor premiership this weekend with a win against Isaroos.
“We have already beaten them this season, but they always provide a tough match, as their strengths on the field, are the same as ours,” he said.
“Our spine of Sami Piggot in goals, Andrea Skinner at sweeper and our solid midfield allow us to dominate the centre of the park.”
McHugh acknowledges that his defence is probably the best in the league but admits his attack needs work.
“Over the past couple of weeks, we have been creating plenty of chances in front of goal and not converting,” he said.
“When it comes to the pointy end of the season, the good teams finish those chances, separating themselves from the other teams.
“That’s why I’ll be counting on Amanda Gowing and Sharon Voss as strikers to start to finish those opportunities presented to them.”
Gowing has missed the past few games due to ironman commitments but McHugh hopes she makes a return to the field this week.
“When Amanda does play, she just seems to have a knack for finding the back on the net,” he said.
“She would be a welcome addition to our side, especially this close to the end of the season.”
■ Mount Isa Soccer Association women’s draw for tonight:
6pm, Isaroos v Tigers; 7.30pm, International v Atlas; 9pm, Rippers v Parkside.
Mount Isa Soccer Association women’s points table: 1st, Tigers 25 points; 2nd, Isaroos 20 points; 3rd, Parkside 15 points; 4th, Atlas 12 points; 5th, Rippers 7 points; 6th, International 0 points.
Top five goal scorers: Amanda Winterburn, Jaqui Rysanek, Sharon Voss, Laura Marsden and Bianca Glover.
Top five point scorers: Amanda Winterburn, Haley Renault, Brydie Frame, Bessie Pili, Chonny George.