Last season was a frustrating one for Orana Spurs and while there's some nerves in the camp heading into this weekend's first Western Premier League (WPL) match for 2021, there's also some optimism.
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Spurs had high hopes for the 2020 season but failed to make finals, however, a boost in numbers at the club and some major additions to the WPL roster has resulted in co-coach Ben Manson labelling his side "exciting".
After a round one bye, Spurs welcome Orange's Barnstoneworth FC to Hans Claven Oval on Saturday evening.
"We've got an exciting team and it's very strong but it's hard because any team can beat any other on its day. We saw that last season," Manson said.
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Spurs are set to be without midfield stalwart Duncan Ferguson due to injury for potentially the entire season and while that's a huge blow there are new faces poised to take control.
"Justin Gibson played for Newtown last season but wanted to play a higher level and give it a crack," Manson said.
"He's scored some brilliant goals in pre-season. Another is Duncan Cahill. I don't know what to say, he's just brilliant. He'll probably be the player to watch in midfield. He's a centre-mid and is just so good on the ball.
"He's from Dubbo but spent time in France and Germany. He's still only 19 but he's mates with Joel Tongue and he's a brilliant player.
"Joel is another. We played a trial against Mosman and he scored one and set-up another."
Manson also took time to speak about Ferguson, who's been synonymous with Spurs for many years.
"Duncan Ferguson suffered an injury at work and might now not be able to play again. He was one of our strongest in midfield so we're gutted to lose him," he said.
Spurs' Dubbo District Football Association first grade side impressed when downing Newtown in last weekend's opening round of the local competition and a number of those players may now get the chance to line up on Saturday against Barnies after catching the eye of Manson and Corby.
Barnies come into the match after a 1-all draw in its Orange derby battle with Waratahs FC in the opening round.
The heavy surface in Orange for that match made it difficult for any free-flowing football so there is the hope the Hans Claven surface will allow the talent within Barnies' lineup to really shine.
"We're looking at the playing surface at Dubbo and it's going to be a bit shorter and a bit quicker," Barnies' Brock Logan said.
"We're looking to play a bit more to feet and hopefully get our combinations in the midfield going."
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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.
