DUBBO Lions striker Samuel Mould believes Saturday’s draw with Lithgow Zig Zag could be the wake-up call to spur his side on for the rest of the season.
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The high-flying Lions played out a fast-paced and entertaining 2-all draw at Pioneer Park but it did not affect their Premier League Hockey (PLH) standing and they remain in fourth.
The Lions have been hugely impressive in their first season back in the competition but after their strong start Mould admitted Saturday was proof they could not get overconfident.
“It definitely would have been nice to win but Zig Zag have been going well the last few weeks and they were a different side to the one we played at Lithgow,” Mould said, referring to the Lions’ 3-1 win earlier in the season.
“We played well but you don’t win every game and it could be a bit of a reality check.
“We’ve had some good results and now we realise it’s a big fight ahead for us to make the finals.”
Mould again starred for the Lions, scoring a double.
While he has battled injuries at different stages this season he has quickly certified himself as one of the leading strikers in PLH.
“It’s been good to come back, I’ve had a couple of injuries but I’m getting back and scored a couple of goals but that’s my job, I guess,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a bit of coaching with the boys too but on gameday I can just concentrate on my own game and let Matt (captain Matt Waters) run the show.”
Mould was full of praise for Waters’ performance on Saturday while he also singled out goalkeeper Gavin Weekes after he made a number of crucial saves.
With six rounds remaining until finals the Lions are well placed to make the finals in their first season back.
But Mould was keen to warn against complacency, with teams certain to lift against Dubbo now they had announced themselves as a competitive force.
“Everyone probably took us a bit lightly but we’ve definitely turned some heads and teams are gunning for us now and that’s a good feeling,” he said.
“In all my time here Dubbo have never really been a team which has been feared but teams are talking about playing us, especially here at home.” Next weekend the Lions are at home again, playing host to the fifth-placed Orange Wanderers in a crucial match.
DUBBO LIONS 2 (Samuel Mould 2) drew with LITHGOW ZIG ZAG 2 (Evan McGrath, Daniel Sheppeard)