Blueys coach Peter Willis knows his team are still a work in progress, but says confidence is high ahead of their home stand against unbeaten Wollongong Olympic at Tarrawanna Oval on Saturday.
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With a mixture of youth and some added experience in their squad, Tarrawanna have made a steady start to the rain-affected Illlawarra Premier League campaign.
The Blueys sit mid-table in eighth with two draws, a win and a loss to their name heading into their round six encounter.
“I think we are slowly progressing as a side,” Willis said.
“We have had a couple of new players come into the squad [like Jared Fish and Matt Naylor]
“The more games you play the better you become as a group. When we [lost 2-1] to Bulli, we played well against them as well.
“They had played a couple of more games, with the FFA Cup, so that was a downer but we are slowly coming together and getting better.”
Overall, Willis was happy with his squad’s beginning to the campaign on the pitch, but felt they had room for improvement in the attacking third.
“We could improve our finishing but I think every club in the world would say that,” he said.
“We are creating chances but just not punishing sides like we did that against Corrimal last week.
“Especially in the first half, we didn’t punish them and then we got a player sent off. It puts your backs against the wall.
“Having said that, when we went down to 10-men, we were still creating chances. Confidence is high with the squad though so I have no complaints.”
Tarrawanna’s rivals on Saturday have been more clinical in the attacking third, with 13 goals through their first five matches.
It has helped Olympic to move level with Bulli at the top of the competition on 13 points, with the latter in front on goal difference.
“Olympic are a very strong side,” Willis said.
“They are top of the league more or less and flying at the moment.
“It will be a challenge but it’s one we are looking forward to.”
In other matches on Saturday, Picton Rangers host ladder-leaders Bulli.
The Rangers are coming off a 3-0 defeat to NSW NPL Men’s 1 high-flyers Sydney Olympic during the week in the FFA Cup.
Meanwhile, Woonona meet Kemblawarra Fury at Ocean Park and Albion Park White Eagles face Corrimal Rangers at Terry Reserve.
On Sunday, Fraternity Cup champions Wollongong United play Cringila Lions and Port Kembla host South Coast United.