AFTER a heavy defeat last week to Richmond, National Premier Leagues side FC Bendigo is hoping to bounce back on Saturday when it heads south to take on North Geelong Warriors.
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With one point from its first 5 games, Bendigo finds itself on the bottom of the NPL1 ladder.
The fledgling side has been unlucky not to take more points from its five outings thus far, with late goals condemning the side to three single-goal defeats.
Despite the position, Coach Steve Martin says his squad is remaining positive:
“I can’t fault the attitude of the boys,'' Martin said.
”We went through and reviewed the tape and worked out the areas we needed to work on. The boys will come back as a stronger unit this week.”
A positive for Martin is the clean bill of health for the squad, with only reserve goalkeeper Chris Xerri under an injury cloud ahead of this week’s match.
Aaron Cohen will be unavailable after being sent off in last week’s under-20 game, having come back through the youth side from injury.
Skipper Trent Waterson, who scored in last week’s 4-1 loss, will again be crucial to Bendigo’s hopes.
North Geelong has had a steady start to the season, recording three wins and two losses in its first five games to sit sixth on the table.
The Warriors are also looking to come back from defeat, having gone down 2-0 to Kingston City last week.
Martin is under no illusion of the challenge that his side faces this week.
“It’ll be a tough test,'' he said.
“We know the quality that North Geelong have got and to go down there and get some points will be a big challenge, but by the same token it’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.”
The clash between FC Bendigo and North Geelong takes place from 3pm at Elcho Park, in Geelong.
The under-20 match begins at 1pm.
FC Bendigo’s next home match is on Saturday, May 10, when it hosts Dandenong City at the Tom Flood Sports Centre.
