Wagga United coach Travis Weir is hoping for a little extra fortune when his side takes on defending premiers Henwood Park under lights on Friday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The men in orange have impressed in patches this season but are at risk of falling behind the pack after slumping to their fourth loss from five outings last weekend.
Weir was unimpressed by certain refereeing decisions made during Wagga United’s 3-2 loss to Tumut and said the result could’ve been a very different story had all his players remained on the pitch.
“I think we’ve been a little hard done by in a few games this year, particularly last week,” Weir said.
“I thought our players fought really hard against Tumut but a few little things didn’t go our way and those decisions could have impacted the final result.
“Tumut were a very quick side but I think we should’ve got something out of that game.”
Weir acknowledged flaws in his side’s performance but queried a perceived increase in long-ball tactics across the competition.
“We’re a brand new side and it could take us all season to get going with the style of football we’re looking to play,” he said.
“We’re a possession-based team who likes to work the ball around but I’m seeing more and more sides just knocking it downfield and hoping for quick guys to pick it up and score.
“That’s frustrating for a team like us who tries to use the ball more and it’s gutting when we lose to teams that are playing that way.”
Wagga United’s finals aspirations could hinge on Friday’s clash with the hot-and-cold Hawks and Henwood Park coach Ryan McKenzie won’t be making allowances for his cross-town rivals.
“Last week’s match against Junee was a pivotal moment for us to get back on track after a few losses and the boys are looking really good,” McKenzie said.
Striker Jake Ploenges won’t feature after suffering a hamstring injury during the 5-0 win and veteran Matt Menser’s impact will be limited after shifting into a primarily coaching role for the game.