THE Bathurst St Pat’s backs will need to be on their game if Confederates have their way today.

The two sides will meet in their women’s Premier League Hockey clash in Orange today, with a win important for both teams.

Confederates coach Mark Pengilly, who is away with the Orange under-15 boys’ team at the state championships, said his side needed to convert their chances.

“We’ve been playing good hockey for the last few weeks. It’s just up front, we need to execute and get goals,” he explained.

Confederates had plenty of chances in their 4-0 loss to Orange Ex-Services last week but simply didn’t put them away.

“We’re getting more and more confidence each week,” Pengilly said.

“If we get a couple of goals on the board it will make a big difference.”

Confederates sit at the bottom of the competition ladder after eight rounds with just one win.

St Pat’s are just two places ahead in seventh, also with only one win to their name, however their two draws have them four points ahead of the Orange side.

Pengilly admitted while there would be a focus on Feds’ forwards, it wouldn’t come at a cost to the team’s defence.

“We’re putting more emphasis on the forwards to get those goals. Everything else seems to be falling into place,” he said.

“If they can stay tighter in defence against St Pat’s, they’ll do alright.”

Confederates will be without Sarah Kelly and Anna Evans but will welcome back Tiff Davis and Renee Burrell.

Today’s game at the Orange Hockey Centre starts at 1.10pm.

In the other women’s PLH games today, Lithgow Zig Zag host Bathurst Souths, Bathurst City takes on Parkes United and Dubbo has the bye.