Matthew Reid will be hoping to make an impact this weekend against Bathurst Macquarie
Cowra Eagles Men's soccer side heads into their game against Bathurst Macquarie on Saturday looking to rekindle the form that has pundits suggesting the title is not out of reach.
Still maintaining their second spot on the ladder following a 1-0 win over Mudgee Wolves and a 2-all draw with Bathurst United in the last fortnight, Cowra's form is inconsistent according to coach Steve Green.
Green rated his sides' performance over the improving Wolves
"We didn't play too bad," he said.
"Mudgee were good and, although we missed a few opportunities that hit the post, we created well and gave ourselves every chance to come away with the points which was pleasing.
"Our passing was direct and we were strong defensively."
In contrast, to share the points with lowly placed Bathurst United frustrated the coach who took some responsibility for the lack of cohesion his side displayed.
"I probably went into the game with the wrong mindset thinking the game was going to be easier than it turned out to be," he said.
"I made some experimental positional changes that altered the balance of the side and paid the price."
After going into half time at 1-all, Bathurst surprised the Eagles to slot another goal forcing Cowra to play catch-up, eventually "getting out of jail" just prior to the final whistle.
There were some valuable lessons learned.
"Our team work and ball movement let us down," Green said.
"Instead of constructing our attack we were kicking and hoping much of the time.
"Our backs lacked pace and muscle and our midfield played too high leaving the door open for fast counter-attacking play from the opposition."
While they are no chance of catching top of the table Bathurst City Colts with a win on Saturday, the game will serve as a build-up to a major semi showdown if the Eagles have their way.
"We'll get back to playing some structured football and hope to build into the semis with confidence," Green said.
"We have a side that can go all the way and win the comp, but we need to secure second place on the ladder first which will give us a second bite in the finals and that begins on Saturday.
"The test on the weekend will be whether we can execute well and, if that's the case, I'm confident we can come away with the points."
Cowra Eagles play Bathurst Macquarie on Saturday at 3pm at the Edgell Park soccer fields.