The Macleay Valley Rangers are flying on the top of the Football Mid North Coast Premier League table but coach Dean Riordan believes the side’s premiership credentials will be tested over the next two weeks.
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Rangers host the defending minor and major premiers Wallis Lakes, who are currently in third position on the ladder, on Saturday before travelling the following week to face the Port Saints who are sitting in second position.
The challenge has been made harder with the news their captain Paul Thurlow is expected to miss the next four weeks with a hamstring injury while young gun Sam Applegate is suspended for the contest with Wallis Lakes after receiving his fourth yellow card of the season in the 4-0 victory against the Camden Haven Redbacks.
“It is always a blow to lose your captain but luckily we have a lot of experience and depth within the club,” Riordan said.
“The whole team is in form and have been playing well but those two have been instrumental in our success so it is disappointing to be without them for any games.”
Jeremy Masters returns from suspension to soften the blow while Riordan will turn to experience to fill the void left by Thurlow and Applegate.
Josh Tynan and Brent Ryan, who Riordan said have been knocking on the door, will come into first grade and youngster Justin Crockford will shift to the bench after making his debut start for first grade last Saturday.
“Josh and Brent have both played plenty of first grade games and they will do the job I ask of them,” Riordan said.
The decision to move Crockford to the bench was based on Riordan’s belief the match will be a physical one.
“Justin was great for us last week and scored a goal but he is only the size of a jockey,” Riordan said.
“I will look to use his pace in the second half.”
Wallis Lakes are beginning to hit their straps after a slow start to their title defence which saw them lose two of their opening four games.
They enter Saturday’s clash with the Rangers on a two game winning streak.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Wallis Lakes handed Rangers a 5-0 loss and Riordan said it is still fresh in their minds.
“They gave us one hell of a hiding on our home ground and we have spoke about reversing that result,” he said.
Rangers reserve grade side earned a 3-1 victory in their last start.
They sit in third position on the competition ladder and are favourites for the victory against the eighth placed Wallis Lakes on Saturday.
Reserve grade starts at 1.15pm before first grade kicks off at 3pm at Dangar St.