Crunch time for the Miners

Charlie Payne | 10th July 2010


WHITSUNDAY Miners will be looking for the points from tomorrow's clash with Capricorn Cougars at Rockhampton.

Matthew Zappone puts the ball into play.
PETER HOLT

WHITSUNDAY Miners will be looking for the points from tomorrow’s clash with Capricorn Cougars at Rockhampton.

Coach Troy Mundy still believes his side could force its way into the QSL playoffs and has challenged his troops to lift for this weekend’s encounter.

Recent draws against Bundaberg and the QAS haven’t helped the Miners’ cause, and with five games to go in which to force the team’s way into the semi-finals, Mundy knows time is running out.

“We’ve got to get maximum points from this game,” he said.

“We need to win three in a row to get ourselves into the top four.”

The Miners, QAS and Cougars are all battling for fifth spot, with Bundaberg making a late run.

“Fifth is the minimum we want from this year,” Mundy said.

“A fifth finish would be great, it would be the best result we’ve had in the QSL.”

The Miners will be coming off the heavy 8-0 defeat by North Queensland Fury in a trial on Thursday night, but Mundy said his players would have no trouble lifting for the CQ derby against the Cougars.

Although the Miners won 5-2 last time the two sides clashed, Mundy warned against complacency.

“There is no love lost between these two rivals and they’ll be chasing maximum points as well.”

Mundy will be hoping striker Tyson Masters can recover from a knock from Thursday night’s game against the Fury, and will be looking for his midfielders to give him support.

GAME DAY

Capricorn Cougars V Whitsunday Miners

Ryan Park, Frenchville, Rockhampton

Tomorrow 2pm
http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2010/07/10/crunch-time-for-the-miners/