Thursday, 23 January 2003 12:00 AM
Ron Corry’s Wollongong Wolves have had an indifferent season so far, but his side sits just three points outside the top six and is looking to maintain momentum as the NSL heads towards the finals series.
The Championship winning coach, who’s side has drawn their past three encounters, will be looking to grab all three points against South and one player who could do that for them is striker Stuart Young who has had a great season so far scoring 9 goals this season.
“Stuart Young has had a very good season. We have had an up and down season so far with no luck. Things just haven’t gone our way as games we should have won, we haven’t. We have to win this week and maintain our momentum”, says Corry.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Wollongong came from behind at half time to defeat South Melbourne 3 – 1. South coach Danny Wright is not worried about past results but rather concerned about grabbing full points while he has a full squad available for selection.
”The important thing is stability and now that we have all players available, it is vital we achieve results,” says Wright.
In mid March just before the Finals Series, South Melbourne is due to lose three players to the Young Socceroos who will take part in the 2003 World Youth Cup. Along with the trio, Wright will also miss striker Vaughan Coveny for International duties with New Zealand.
Danny Wright is also concerned about value for dominance, as South has played extremely well over the past few weeks but goals have been too few and far between.
“Our dominance is not being represented on the scoreboard. We need something to show for our dominance and that’s putting the ball in the back of the net,” says Wright
Wollongong is a competitive unit and will be difficult opponents this Sunday. Wright is not concentrating on stopping individuals such as Stuart Young but rather focussed on continuing his side’s good form.
“Wollongong is a very mobile side. They play with pace and we will be weary of them. We must continue to play our system and concentrate on the team rather than individuals”, says the South coach.
A win will see South Melbourne jump to 30 points and depending on Friday night’s clash between Olympic and Newcastle, South could either push closer to second spot or extend their advantage over fourth placed Newcastle.
In other matches concerning the top six, Adelaide City travel across to take on the Kingz, while Parramatta host bottom placed Marconi Stallions. On Saturday night Brisbane who also sits just outside the top six with the Wolves, host the Melbourne Knights.