AIRBORNE: Demon Knights’ Geoff Donnan in an aerial challenge with Guyra goalkeeper Steven Kliendienst on the weekend.
DEMON Knights captain Chris Daly says his side is hoping to kick-start their season on Saturday when they face bitter Premier League rivals Norths at Phil Wheaton Oval.
Both sides are bracing for another heated local derby this weekend.
“Every year this is the game you want to play in and we’re confident of getting a good result,” Daly told The Express.
“But we know it’s going to be a tough game.”
Runners-up in the competition last year, the Knights remain unbeaten this season but have yet to record a win, having drawn all four of their matches.
The first-grade outfit blew leads against Glen Innes and Inverell in the first two rounds to draw 3-all before Souths held them to a stalemate and Guyra managed a 1-all result.
Daly said the Knights’ success last season might have given teams an extra incentive to perform well against them.
The talented midfielder believes his side still has to work on several areas of their game, but he is determined to build some momentum with a positive result this weekend.
“I think it (last year’s success) has definitely given the other teams something to play a bit harder for,” he said.
“But in saying that I don’t think we’ve played too well so far, so they’ve been fair results.
“We need to improve our transition from defence to attack, finish our chances and use our pace up front a bit better.”
Norths coach Andy Lennon said a win against the Knights would be invaluable for his side, given their own early struggle to find form.
The Redmen have bounced back from a shock 3-2 loss to Easts in round three to record comfortable victories over Inverell and Glen Innes.
“We’ve started the season a bit slowly compared to what we’re used to, but we’re starting to pull it together,” Lennon said.
“It’s very important that we get a good result at our home ground to get a bit of a roll-on.”
Meanwhile, in other Northern Conference matches this weekend Easts will face Glen Innes and Guyra is set to play Souths with Inverell having the bye.
In the Southern Conference, Oxley Vale Attunga will meet North Companions, Wee Waa play Imperials, Tamworth clash with Narrabri and Gunnedah verse Moree.
• Premier League table and results from the women’s competition, Page 46.