IT is make or break time for the Dubbo Blue Jays in Premier League Hockey (PLH) and in a case of perfect timing today will be the first time in 2015 they field a full strength line-up.
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The Dubbo girls currently sit in sixth place, one spot outside the finals positions, and today welcome fifth-placed Parkes United to Pioneer Park.
The Blue Jays have spent the majority of the season so far playing away from home but have six of their final seven matches at home and coach Craig Johnston said his side has to make the advantage count.
"It's make or break, we've got to start converting games into wins," he said.
"We've had some narrow losses but those have got to become wins.
"I think out of the next seven games we've got to win five to make the finals but we're at full strength and that's the first time this season so we've got no excuses."
Emma Corcoran is back in the lineup after playing for the Australian All Schools side at Europe while in furthers boosts, Tarlee Roberts is available and fellow striker Alex Waters is fully fit.
Roberts and a healthy Waters gives Johnston and the Blue Jays one of fastest and most dangerous frontlines in the PLH and one which is sure to test Parkes.
Michelle Courtney has been one of Dubbo's best this season but the inspirational goalkeeper will find herself on the bench for some of today's match.
Young keeper Lilli Campbell needs to play in order to qualify for the finals otherwise there will be no backup to Courtney if she was unavailable come finals time.
But Johnston has plenty of confidence in the youngster after she proved herself last year when she was part of the NSW side which won the Australian under-13s National Championship.
Parkes come into the match on the back of a 1-0 loss to Bathurst Souths in their last match.
After being one of the strongest teams last season, they currently find themselves in fifth place but did manage to beat the Blue Jays 3-0 last time the two sides met.
The Dubbo side was severely understrength that day and matched Parkes for long periods but the coach knows he needs his side top capitalise when they create chances.
"We haven't been disgraced in any game we've played and we're right there but we just need to do those little things right," he said.
"Those one-percenters and getting to the ball first every time will make a difference.
The Blue Jays take on Parkes United at 3.30pm today at Pioneer Park.
