FC Bendigo will be looking to get back on the winners list this weekend when it takes on Moreland Zebras at De Chene Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
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Bendigo suffered a disappointing loss last weekend at home to the struggling Whittlesea Ranges, having gone into the game on a four-game unbeaten streak.
Bendigo is 10th on the NPL1 ladder, with Moreland only two spots ahead in eighth position.
Coach Steve Martin was quick to stress the importance of a positive response after last week’s disappointment.
“Performance wise last week was one of our worst of the year. It really brought us back down to earth after a good month,'' Martin said.
“We’re aware that we need to be more disciplined than we were last week, and the boys are keen to get back out there and give a good performance”.
Bendigo fans will be hoping young gun Daniel Purdy can again have an impact, as he has in the previous weeks. The striker scored a terrific goal against Avondale two weeks ago, and has impressed in each of his five appearances.
Martin praised the 19-year-old, who has come into the senior side from the under-20s.
“Daniel is a guy with a great attitude,'' Martin said.
“He is someone who plays within team structures, and listens to the information that he is given.
“He has had to wait a little bit for his break, but the last few weeks we have given him an opportunity and he’s certainly taken it.”
Martin said star midfielder Matthew Breeze, who injured his hamstring in the loss to Whittlesea, was only a 50/50 chance of playing.
Defender Ryan Davidson will miss the match through suspension, having accumulated five yellow cards for the season.
The side faces a stern challenge in the shape of Moreland, who have won five of its past six matches.
The two sides met earlier this season in Bendigo’s inaugural home game. A thrilling encounter ended 2-2 after Moreland scored deep into injury time.
The clash kicks off at 3pm on Sunday Afternoon at De Chene Reserve, Coburg. The under-20 match begins at 1pm.
Bendigo’s next home game is against St Albans at the Epsom-Huntly Recreation Reserve on July 19 from 6pm.