IT’S crunch time for Hawkesbury City this weekend as they aim to keep their top-five hopes alive in the men’s State League.
The Hawks take on the formidable Northbridge side in their second last home game before a month-long road trip, and key playmaker Evan Daglis knows his side must get a result to stay in touch with the top half of the competition.
“They’re very in-your-face and we’ve got to be like that too,” Daglis said.
“They’re a very good side. They are very disciplined, tactically, and very physical so they’ll be a good challenge for us.”
The 23-year-old, who has been with Hawkesbury for three years, said his side was still adjusting to new coach Hugh McCrory’s change in structure.
They have gone from playing 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 formation.
“We’ve got a new coach, a few new players and we’re just getting used to a new philosophy, but we’re getting there and hopefully we’ll get results soon,” Daglis said.
“Last year we kept the ball a lot more and built up from the back.
‘‘This year it’s more direct. We get the ball up to the wings and strikers with early crosses in and we’re still getting used to that.
“We’ve got plenty of time and I think we should get a few wins still.”
With three wins, two draws and five losses so far, it could have been so much better for the Hawks after they were their own worst enemy in a number of tight encounters this season, but Daglis didn’t put it down to complacency.
“We’ve been a bit up and down,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of chances to score goals but the opposition sometimes gets us on the breakaway. It’s not complacency but they’re getting a chance and they’re taking it.”
And as for the tough draw to end the season, which includes just three games from the last 11, the midfielder said his side has no choice but to win on the road.
“It will be tough but I think we can pull through,’’ Daglis said.
First grade plays Northbridge at Bensons Lane on Saturday at 5pm.
