In their way will be the Football Wagga ladder-leaders Lake Albert.

Leeton United were able to get one over them in the first round, taking the victory 4-1.

However, captain Joey Fondacaro was aware it would now be a different ball game. 

Fondacaro, along with Carlo Trifogli and possibly Julian Mandaglio are all sidelined for the match. 

Trifogli is out suspended and the trio’s absence will leave a big gap in the first grade side. 

“The three are all regular first grade players, so I guess it will leave a hole in the team,” Fondacaro said. 

“I’m confident whoever they choose to fill those positions will be up to the challenge though. 

“They’ll be able to do the job. 

“Our depth is pretty good.”

Last week’s 2-1 loss to Tolland did leave a mark on the first grade team, meaning they were more determined than ever to come out and score a victory in front of their home crowd. 

The loss followed a draw the week before against Wagga United, which was preceded by the long weekend bye. 

All of this coupled together means it has been about a month since United’s last victory and Fondacaro said the hunger was there to change that. 

“Everyone is determined to get out there and win this week,” he said. 

“Last time we played them we took our chances. 

“We need to make sure we’re doing that.

“If you don’t get the ball in the net, you’re not going to win, so you need to take your chances whenever they come up.”

Lake Albert are three points ahead of United on the ladder, with a goal difference also of three. 

A win would mean Leeton would be back in contention for the top position. 

“We’ve been working on changing our game up a bit at training,” Fondacaro said. 

“We’ve played everyone now, so it’s important we’re not just doing the same old things all of the time or we’ll be found out. 

“We beat them last time, so hopefully we can do it again.”