SUPPLIED CONTENT – 03 JUNE 2021
Round six action of the Namoi league continues this weekend when the top of the table Narrabri host Moree at Hogan Oval, while in the round’s other match, Wee Waa welcome the visiting Narrabri Elevens.
After five rounds Narrabri has established themselves clear at the top of the table on 15-points, with their next closest opponent, Wee Waa on six points. Narrabri Elevens and Moree both have four points, with the latter ahead on goal-difference.
Unlike their southern counterparts, the Namoi league will play just one round this weekend.
At Hogan Oval all eyes will be on whether Moree can deliver an upset against the high-flying Narrabri. The visitors last weekend scored their first win of the season against Wee Waa.
“For this game, the boys have to understand that at no point can they switch off… It requires them to be on their game the whole 90 minutes,” coach and player Matt Urquhart said.
“If we compete for the whole 90 we will be in with a chance.”
Countering Narrabri’s quick transition in attack could prove crucial if the Urquhart coached side are to score three points.
“If we lose it will be from our turn overs, Narrabri are really good on the counterattack, if we lose the ball we need to slow down their attack as quick as possible,” he said.
“A win will come from maintaining possession, keeping to the things we do at training and not getting frustrated when they don’t come off straight away.”
Narrabri can make it six straight with a win on Saturday, and while the side has looked dangerous in attack, according to coach Neil Brayshaw his side’s success is built from the backline forward.
“Our defence has been phenomenal so far this year… Our possession game has to improve as we put ourselves under a lot of pressure,” he said.
“If we can hold the ball we can definitely dominate any side… That is not being arrogant, I just know we have the ability to win big with the talent we have in our squad.”
“Our game is won in the middle with our quality midfielders who I rate as the best in the competition, but they need the support.”
Brayshaw is yet to field a full-strength side this year with injuries and illness proving a coaching nightmare. The mentor’s focus for Saturday to play with control.
“My number one aim is to keep possession and make the defence come at us instead of wanting to score as soon as we get the ball,” he said
“If we can get this right I know our defence will hold us in good stead.”
