THE Horsham District league is quickly arriving to the point of the season where every game is a must win, with this weekend’s clash between Natimuk United and Edenhope-Apsley no exception.
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After a disappointing loss to Rupanyup, Natimuk United is holding onto a finals position in sixth place but will have a tough test against the Saints come Saturday.
Edenhope-Apsley sits two points above the Rams in fifth in a match-up that could have serious consequences for the finals outlook.
Saints coach Chris Oliver said his side needed to finish off games better.
“We are playing some good football we just can’t seem to finish off games the way I would like,” he said.
Edenhope-Apsley has been competitive against top sides Kalkee and Harrow-Balmoral in the past month but hasn’t been able to hang on to a top four spot.
“Natimuk United for us is a must win otherwise it really puts us back in the finals race,” Oliver said.
“They are always tough to beat at home and they will be fired up. I expect it to be quite a difficult game for us.
“This time of year you have a few sore bodies but we are actually looking pretty good. I think Sam McClure will miss this week but besides that we are looking good.”
Natimuk United coach Sam Anson said his side had used about 35 senior players across the past month to deal with injuries.
“We still have a few injuries, which will make it a bit more interesting,” Anson said.
“I’m still out and it looks like Jaydon Stiles will be out, Andrew Watson too as well as young Wil Ridsdale. It’s hard to gel together when you’re making so many changes.”
The Saints defeated the Rams back in round three, a win which kick-started their season. Anson said there was a good rivalry between the two sides.
“It was the same last year – it was later in the season but there wasn’t much separating us and we had a good game,” he said.
“We have a bit of a friendly rivalry, it should be a good contest.”