Norths United hope they can rediscover the attacking power that launched them to the top of the McDonald’s Northern Inland Premier League ladder earlier this season when they take on Tamworth FC twice this weekend.
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The Redmen have struggled to hit the back of the net in their recent matches and will aim to fire in the clashes against FC.
Co-coach Scott Freeman said they were “lucky” to earn a 1-nil victory in their most recent game against North Companions and were gifted the lone goal.
“If they didn't score for us, we weren't scoring them,” he said.
“For some odd reason we just can't find the back of the net.”
They will have to do it without one of their leading goal scorers in Anthony Holmes.
“He's got a shoulder injury,” Freeman said.
Finding a couple of strikers who finish off is a high priority for us because it doesn't matter how many you stop, you have to put them in the back of the net to win.
- Scott Freeman
“He's been ruled been ruled out medically so we are just trying to find out the combination up front.”
Four Norths players will play three matches in four days with a trial game against the Newcastle Jets on Thursday night before the double header on the weekend.
Freeman said there are plenty of scoring opportunities being created for his side but they are just lacking the finishing touches.
“Once again this weekend will be another test for us,” he said.
“I think we are going to struggle. Our back four and midfield are pretty well doing what their job is, it is just the front three we are just having that little hiccup with at this time of year.”
While their spot in the finals is secured, the Redmen still have their eyes on finishing at the top of the table.
“If we win both our games this weekend, that puts us on the same points as OVA,” Freeman said.
“Finding a couple of strikers who finish off is a high priority for us because it doesn't matter how many you stop, you have to put them in the back of the net to win.
“We will go in with a handy squad both games but whether they are the same two teams for Saturday and Sunday, I can't quite tell you.”
Only three rounds remain in the season and Freeman believes the race is wide open.
“It seems to have been a long season but it is finishing very quick,” he said.
“I think we could have everything decided by the end of next week but I could be wrong. Anybody who thinks Easts are going to be a walkover, they have proven them wrong in the last two games, 21 goals for.”