Local derby result vital for Surf Coast and Bell Park

May 7th, 2010

BELL Park and Surf Coast are set to do battle in a highly-anticipated local derby tomorrow, with the three points vital for both teams for vastly differing reasons.

The opening four rounds of Provisional League 2 have defied pre-season expectations, with Bell Park, which only narrowly missed out on promotion last year, struggling and league new boys Surf Coast sitting in second position on goal difference.

The match will be the first league encounter against a neighbouring Geelong team for Surf Coast, which is on a fine run of three wins in a row.
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By contrast, Bell Park has lost three of its first four matches and is in dire need of a victory in order to turn around its rapidly sinking season.

"The problem is that none of the guys are putting their hands up in the reserves and pushing me for first team selection," Bell Park coach Darren Nelson said.

"Last week we gave Epping a 3-0 head-start and you just can't do that. There have been lapses in concentration this season and last week in particular. That first half was the worst 45 minutes I've seen from a Bell Park side. We just weren't manning up."

Nelson said he wasn't surprised at the early success enjoyed by Surf Coast this season, adding: "It will be a very even league this year. Surf Coast's biggest strength is that they don't concede many goals. They will come to us expecting a result and it will be a fast and physical game."

Surf Coach coach Lindsay Falzon played down suggestions that his side will be the favourites for the Bell Park Sports Club clash.

"It's still early days in the season and Bell Park will be at home, so it's pretty even," he said.

"Our fitness levels have been showing in games this season. If Bell Park play their young guys they might keep up with us, but if they play their more experienced players we might have the edge in the second half.

"It's silly to say that we will be promoted after just four rounds. We'll look at it after June as Ben Le Cornu and Jack Taylor will be away then. But if we keep playing as we have done, we can compete with anyone."http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/05/07/170911_geelong_sports.html