A slightly new-look Dubbo FC side might still be finding its way in the 2021 Western Premier League season but the side will make the long trek to Lithgow on the back of two victories.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The defending premiers scored a gritty 2-1 win over Barnstoneworth on Saturday and while the Dubbo side was far from its best, the squad is well aware winning is all that matters at the moment.
Former captain and club legend Scott Fox is yet to make an appearance this season after off-season surgery while Nelson Flick, another stalwart, has only played limited minutes.
New youngsters are also finding their way in the team and while the likes of Kane Settree and Dylan Jarvis have been among the Bulls' best early in the season, co-captain James Leonard knows his side is still searching for the kind of slick football which was produced on the way to winning last season's title.
"Even if they're not the best wins, you take them three points at the end of the day," the defender said.
"We're training a lot better than what we've been playing ... there's a couple of news fellas in there and we're getting them into the team and waiting on a couple to come back from injury as well."
READ ALSO:
Injuries forced the Bulls to change formation again in Saturday's match with Barnies at Hans Claven Oval.
Despite that, the hosts still started the better and opened the scoring through Gareth Williams but the Bulls were never truly comfortable as the physical Barnies outfit applied a huge amount of pressure.
The Orange side soon had an equaliser and it appeared the match was heading for a draw until Leonard's fellow co-captain, Kobe Rapley, stepped up in the final minutes to slot what would be the winner.
"They were at us the whole time," Leonard said of Barnies.
"They were very physical and fit and young and put a little more pressure on the midfield. We haven't been pressured a whole lot like they pressured us."
The victory keeps the Bulls in a share of second spot behind Orange-based Waratahs United.
Leonard and his side now faces a challenging trip to Lithgow in round four.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
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.
