A comment from Barnstoneworth FC coach Rob Dawson has raised some eyebrows in the Western Premier League.
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The coach of the Orange-based side was speaking after his side's 2-0 loss to Dubbo FC on Saturday and gave his views on the teams to beat heading into the final rounds of the season.
The loss at Dubbo on Saturday leaves Dawson's side fourth on the ladder while the Bulls remain second but are still four points off competition frontrunners Macquarie United.
And while Macquarie has been top of the standings for much of the season, they're not among the main title hopes according to Dawson.
"I think Bulls, Panorama FC and us are the top three," he said after Saturday's loss.
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Macquarie was again scintillating in attack their round 10 match on Saturday, accounting for Orana Spurs in a comfortable 4-1 derby win.
That result took Macquarie's goal differential to an eye-catching +15 while no other side is in double digits this season.
"We're happy to be looked at as the fourth or fifth side," coach Crain said when hearing of Dawson's prediction.
"I've got no problem with it ... they are three fantastic sides and any side that travels well or turns up on the day can beat any other."
Macquarie might be happy with the chance to somewhat fly under the radar but Dawson's views have surprised others in the competition.
I didn't underestimate Macquarie this year.
- Bulls coach Jason Schink
It wasn't something Bulls coach Jason Schink expected to hear and he considers the race for this season's minor premiership all but over, given the form Macquarie has shown.
"That's very surprising," Schink said.
"I didn't underestimate Macquarie this year. I've seen Jesse Spang and the Crain boys come through and from a young age they've been a level above."
Dawson's Barnies are fourth on the ladder currently while the Bathurst-based Panorama FC side is fifth, behind only on goal difference.
Lithgow Workmen's FC, also left out of the top three by Dawson, sit third on goal difference but have played one less match after their weekend fixture against Parkes was abandoned.
Something that may play into Dawson's thoughts is the fact his side is one of only two to have beaten Macquarie so far this season.
The Orange side defeated a slightly under strength Macquarie 5-2 earlier this month.
But Macquarie responded on Saturday and is firmly in control of the minor premiership race heading into the final four rounds.
Schink and his Bulls side will do battle with Macquarie in a midweek match in round 12 but before that the sides meet Parkes and Lithgow respectively this coming weekend.
"We're not too worried about outside noise," Crain added.
"We're just concentrating on what we're doing."
Lithgow's rescheduled game against Parkes will be played on Sunday.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
