CAPITALISING on their scoring chances and adjusting to the speed of Premier League Hockey (PLH) will be key to the Dubbo Lions getting another win under their belts, coach Graeme Waters said.
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The Lions haven't recorded a win since the opening round when they saw off Bathurst City 2-1.
Despite the win, they sit below Bathurst City on the ladder after being docked four competition points for fielding an unlisted player in their 12-0 thrashing at the hands of St Pats.
Now they're gearing up to host Souths on Saturday afternoon, and Waters said the Lions hoped to take it to the visitors.
"We're competitive, we just need to take our opportunities more when we get them," he said.
"We make lots of scoring opportunities but we can't get the ball in the back of the net so hopefully if we can make a few chances this weekend the guys can get a few points in.
"The boys get out every weekend and give it their hardest and they always try their best to put it to the other sides and with Souths we're hoping we'll be competitive."
Souths will be hoping for a more comfortable result today, after a narrow escape in their last PHL game against Parkes United.
A fortnight ago Souths found a late equaliser to snare a 1-all draw against a Parkes side that had been the dominant force throughout the match.
Coach Ray Winwood-Smith said his side would be looking for more consistency today.
The fact their opponents sit last on the ladder doesn't change Souths' approach.
"We're certainly taking this game very seriously because we've worked hard over the last two weeks to correct what happened against Parkes," he said.
"Dubbo are a young and fit team who are still finding their feet. When you play a team like them who have the home support it's a huge advantage. We've seen them in glimpses this year but we haven't had a good chance to look at their players.
"There's nothing broken, we just need to continue to learn our structure, have the discipline to stay in it throughout the course of the game and don't fall back into old habits."
Today marks the last matches of the opening round and Souths is currently fifth on the ladder.
They have two of everything - wins, losses and draws - but will be confident in tipping that count towards the first category in today's game.
But the Lions don't plan on making that easy for the visitors.
"We worked on some stuff at training that the guys are pretty keen to try on Saturday if they get a chance," Waters said.
"The boys get out every weekend and give it their hardest...they always try their best to put it to the other sides.
"It will be a hard game against Souths at the weekend but the boys are at home and they're always strong at home."
