Fresh off a stunning FFA Cup penalty shootout victory, the Kempsey Saints will look to continue their winning ways when they open their Premier League account on the road against Port Saints this Saturday.
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Saints were forced to reschedule their round one match with the Taree Wildcats as the contest clashed with the aforementioned FFA Cup game.
Despite earning the win, Kempsey coach Kevin Sinclair will make a number of changes to the side which played the FFA Cup match.
Lachlan Jay will be forced to miss the Premier League match after picking up a red card while Sinclair has stated the side won't be named until after their final training session on Thursday night (yesterday).
"There are several new players who will be in the mix for selection," Sinclair said.
"Cedric Bloedorn has made his return after a few years away and Jake Conomos and Michael McCarthy have also been training really well and are in contention."
While the side hasn't been finalised, Sinclair is certain he knows what he wants from his players in their season opener.
"We have to make up for the loss we suffered to them in the second half of last year," Sinclair said.
"We were caught off guard a bit and took them lightly and we can't afford to do that again.
"I haven't seen them (Port) play this year and they had a bye for the first round, but apparently they have improved and have a good side for this season."
Sinclair expects the Saints to build on their performances from last year, which led to a finals berth, as they have bolstered the squad's depth.
"We have much more depth this year than in the past," Sinclair said.
"It makes picking a side difficult because we have a lot of skillful players."
Saints will also be in action in the Men's and Women's Northern Leagues.
The women's side travels to Tuffins Lane to face Port United at 1pm.
While the Men's A-grade side will travel to Lake Cathie to play at 1pm.
The two Men's B-grade teams will be in action at Eden St Oval, with the White side taking to the field first to face the South West Rocks Stingers while the Green team will battle the Rangers at 3pm.
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