Do Or Die For Weary Wolves
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday August 23, 2008
WOLLONGONG FC's torturous run to tomorrow's NSW Premier League major semi-final is a double-edged sword - they are battle-hardened, but their troops are dropping like flies.
"As much as I don't like missing a week, we need a week off," Wollongong FC coach John Turner said. "If we don't win, we're going to struggle next week."Turner's stunning declaration came on the eve of Wollongong's showdown with Sutherland at Seymour Shaw Park. The winner will qualify for the grand final next month, while the loser will have to defeat the winner of today's minor semi-final between Sydney Olympic and Manly United. Wollongong midfielders Matt Bailey (corked thigh) and Michael Hawrysiuk (Achilles), along with defender Alfredo (hip flexor) will only play if they pass last-minute fitness tests. Striker Osagie Ederaro (broken foot) and defender Michael West (ruptured spleen) are long-term casualties. Although Turner is facing the prospect of fielding a side including youth grade regulars Jamie Pitt, Brent Farnsworth and Josh Price, he believes the Wolves' string of high-intensity matches will put them in good stead against the Sharks. "We have had a harder grind - Sutherland have played one game in the last month," Turner said."We have been chasing them for the past six weeks and playing some fierce competition matches."We're rock hard, we're conditioned and mentally ready."Turner said Wollongong's injury woes and Sutherland's lack of preparation meant tomorrow's loser might fall by the finals wayside."I hope this is a dress rehearsal, but I'm not convinced both teams will be in the grand final," he said."If we win on Sunday, it will be our best win of the season."Turner reaffirmed that revenge for missing the premiership through goal difference was a motivating factor for the Wolves. "We owe them one - it's as simple as that," he said. "We're as good as them, we proved that in round 22 (a 1-1 draw at Seymour Shaw Park)."We are the joint-premier - now is our chance to prove it." Turner said preparations have included taking penalty kicks. "We have rehearsed penalties and if it goes to extra time it might suit us," Turner said. "We go over the top of teams in the last 30 minutes."In addition to last week's come-from-behind win over Sydney Olympic, the Wolves scored second in the round 22 draw with the Sharks and came from 2-0 down to defeat Marconi the week before.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury