A TOUGH challenge lies ahead for Horsham Falcons in round three of the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
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Horsham will travel to Morshead Park to take on 2016 premier the Buninyong Redbacks on Sunday.
Buninyong has started the season in similar style to Horsham, winning one game and losing one.
Horsham is seventh while Buninyong sit in sixth place on the ladder, with a greater goal difference.
After this round the league will start to show its true front runners.
Just one team had established itself as a formidable side early in the season – that being the Sebastopol Vikings.
The Easter break has proven fruitful for Horsham, who regain the services of star forward Noah Talbot.
What to expect:
This is a tough one to call, with both sides having an up-and-down opening two rounds. The Falcons showed signs of a well-organised defence in round one but fell apart in round two with a similar line-up.
The Redbacks managed to out-score Vic Park in round one, winning 7-6 – an outrageous scoreline. The side then lost to cellar dweller Maryborough.
The Falcons will be eager to show their worth and the players must prove they can play consistent flowing football week-in, week-out. The formation will change after the side’s drastic loss in the second round.
Expect the Falcons to go out eager to score goals, with a new formation and different line-up.
Players to watch:
Noah Talbot: After a week off the pitch due to injury, the clever forward returns to the squad to pick up from where he left off. Talbot managed an opening round hat-trick for the Falcons and was sorely missed in round two. His composure in front of goal will be something his teammates will look to for an early break.
James Hibberd: The veteran of the side has proved more than his worth in the opening two rounds. Coach Elijah Macchia will hope he stays fully fit for the season to dictate the back-line. His ability to read play and make clean tackles is something of a defensive art.
Riley Bamford: One of the more experienced players in the side, the younger players will look to Bamford to lead from his new position. The Falcon has received one yellow card and conceded two penalties and will be trialled in a new position on Sunday. Bamford will provide a bigger, solid body further up the field.
