United v Port FC: mate v mate

07 May, 2010 04:00 AM

ONE of the biggest dates on the Football Mid-North Coast calendar every season is the local Premier League derby between the Settlers Inn-sponsored Port United and the Port Macquarie Football Club Khodary Pharmacy squads.

This year’s opening meeting at Dixie Park, tomorrow, also carries the extra spice of two undefeated teams sitting atop the FMNC first grade table.

As well, both outfits have a member of staff with interests on either side of the green/blue divide.

Over the years, it has not been uncommon for players to cross over between the two teams.

Port FC has also had many coaches with long playing histories with Port United, including Lee Tompsett, Dave Brimble and Col Purcell.

However, it is only recently that a mentor has gone the other way.

Jono Toombs played all of his senior football with Port FC and, barring a major knee injury, would likely be wearing the sky blue this season.

Toombs, however, has turned his back on his playing mates this year and joined the ranks of United’s coaching staff, taking the reigns of the reserve grade side.

Additionally, and to blur the green/blue divide a little bit more, one of Port FC’s current coaching staff and long-serving players Steve Pincham looks after United’s undefeated U15 team.

Despite the strong relationship and mutual respect between the two clubs, come kick-off tomorrow all allegiances and friendships will go out the window.

Both sides have had perfect starts to their 2010 campaigns.

Tomorrow’s hosts United knocked over Wallis Lakes (2-0) and Macleay Valley Rangers (2-0) while Port FC accounted for Camden Haven Redbacks (2-0) and Old Bar Barbarians (5-0).

The squads also sit in top spot, level with the Redbacks on six competition points.

Like any typical derby, they are always tough, high intensity affairs with little love lost between the two sides, which more often than not provides close encounters regardless of form or ladder positions.

Last season, Port FC took maximum points with a 2-1 victory at Wayne Richards Park before winning at Dixie Park 2-0.

With their commitment to the NNSW Solo Cup over, following a 2-1 loss to Maclean on the weekend, United can now concentrate fully on the Premier League.

Tomorrow, they will welcome back Sam Mclean, Damien Cross, John Goodman, Adam Breust and Andy Collins, who all missed the Solo Cup game.

However, United has been dealt a blow with the unavailability of young keeper Jack Symons and striker Ryan Moon.

“Like our first two games, it will come down to the team maximising their chances when they come along,” United coach Greg Baldwin said.

“Port FC has recruited well and is one of the sides favoured to be fighting out the finals series.

“If we want to be a serious threat this year, we have to be able to match them.”

Port FC is likely to take the field with the same line-up that thumped Old Bar last round with the added bonus of Dylan Baker returning from injury.

Baker’s return will provide some added strength to the backline and give coach David Toulson options in the midfield.

Toulson is well aware of the threat that United pose given their early season giant-killing run.

“After Wallis Lakes’ victory in the Steve Dunn Memorial 6-a-side tournament and Macleay’s continual presence in the competition’s grand finals, United’s start has been very impressive,” He said.

“If they can continue their early season form this weekend, we will be in for a very tough fixture.

“Our defence so far has been solid and, as you can see from our results, we haven’t had too much trouble finding the back of the net.

“United is, however, likely to provide a stern test for our boys and their current mixture of youth and experience should make for a exciting encounter.”

The match will kick off at 5pm.

Port United

Tony Raymond (c), Sam Mclean, Adam Woonton, Simon Filipek, Damien Cross, John Goodman, Adam Breust, Andy Collins, Josh Moore, Nathan Attwells, Matt Moore, Brodie Collins

Port FC

Terrance Stafford, Scott Spokes, Toby Glover, Brad Spokes, Ibrahim Khodary (c), Luke Buckley, Matt Ramm, Paddy Coelho, David Kennedy, Matt Edwards, Jackson Pett, Sigbjorn Prestergard, Troy Mountain, Dylan Baker
http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/united-v-port-fc-mate-v-mate/1822969.aspx?storypage=0