Test Of Nerve Awaits As Teams Queue Up To Avoid Relegation

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday September 13, 2008

By JOEL RITCHIE

CONISTON'S do-or-die double-header isn't the only intriguing story heading into the final weekend of the Illawarra Premier League season, with four other teams fighting relegation.

If Coniston win both their games, either Wollongong United (32 points), Tarrawanna (33), Picton Rangers (33) or South Coast United (33) will be relegated with Warilla Wanderers.

South Coast can save everyone the nervous wait if they take at least a point off Coniston today at JJ Kelly Park.

A loss, however, would leave them relying on other results to survive the drop. Tarrawanna are all but safe and need only one point from their final two games to ensure top-flight football next year.

The Blueys host relegation-bound Warilla today, before visiting Dandaloo tomorrow.

Picton need at least a point away to Fernhill today to ensure safe passage into 2009.

Which leaves Wollongong United, who host Cringila Lions today at Macedonia Park.

If Coniston beat South Coast United today by two goals or less and defeat Warilla tomorrow, Wollongong would need a win against Cringila to stay in the top flight.

Wollongong had a golden chance to avoid relegation on Wednesday night, but lost 1-0 to Bulli at Balls Paddock.

"If we win, we're safe," Wollongong United coach Peter Beggs said of today's clash.

"It's not panic mode - the past six or seven weeks have been grand finals. We have got a few injuries, but the mood within the camp is really good."

Beggs said it may be an advantage to play a team whose fate is already sealed.

"They (Cringila) might have guys on yellow cards or nursing injuries," Beggs said.

"I don't think they'll be doing us any favours and they'll want a good performance heading into the finals."

Also today, Dapto host Dandaloo at Dapto Showground and Port Kembla meet Bulli at Wetherall Park.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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