Woonona coach Dan McGoldrick has urged his side to tighten up defensively after a slow start to the season.
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The 2020 premiers stumbled out of the gates, conceding eight goals in their first two games. They found form last weekend with wins over South Coast United and Bellambi and are looking to build momentum in their clash with Corrimal.
The match is one of five to be played on Saturday, Bellambi hosting Wollongong United and Port Kembla facing Tarrawanna. Coniston take on Wollongong Olympic in the late-afternoon fixture before South Coast United plays Albion Park under lights. Cringilla and Bulli play on Friday night.
Woonona's defensive struggles come in stark contrast to last year's run to the premiership, the squad conceding just eight goals in 11 games in 2020.
With the Sharks sitting sixth after four games, McGoldrick said his side must eliminate defensive errors if they are to climb the ladder.
"It's a concern, for sure," McGoldrick said. "The 4-0 loss to Coniston, we were not at the races, we were flat, they were superior. The 4-4 draw with Port Kembla, that really hurt. It's a game we should've controlled up 4-2.
"It's something we've been working on and have to continue working on, particularly when we come up against the top sides. We've been able to score goals but we've got to be able to defend them as well, it's the polar opposite to last year."
Like Woonona, Corrimal sit midpack and are desperate to stay in touch with the top of the ladder.
With attacking weapons across the park, McGoldrick said the Sharks must concentrate for the full 90 minutes if they are to prevail.
"We know Toby Norval's a threat, he has goal-scoring potential from long range,'' he said.
"They're going to be well-organised and strong defensively, they'll create chances. Any team with Rick Goodchild in it is a good side.
"They're in that pack thinking this should be a 'W' for them, we're in the same bracket. The top four sides almost pick themselves at this point in time. If you want to be around fifth and sixth, both Corrimal and ourselves are eyeing this game as one we're keen to win."