ORANGE Wanderers player-coaches Keiran Gentles and Matt Johnson have named a full strength squad for Saturday’s 14th round of the men's Premier League Hockey competition, their side plays Lithgow Zig Zag.
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Injury has plagued Wanderers in recent weeks with James Shakeshaft, Michael Dillon, Darryn Marjoram all set to return from substantial stints on the sideline this weekend, with Johnson also coming back after missing last week’s loss to Bathurst Souths.
However, despite being excited at the prospect of having all his troops back on deck, Johnson admitted a couple are still under small injury clouds.
“James Shakeshaft is still struggling a bit with his hamstring I think, but he should be good to go,” Johnson said.
“It’s the first time in about three or four weeks we’ve had our full squad together which is great, we are excited about that. It certainly helps considering we’re playing Zig Zag too.
“I think this game will be won in the midfield … to have guys like James and Michael Dillon coming back in is a big help. Whoever gets that run through the middle I think will go a long way to winning.”
Wanderers are two points out of the top four following the loss to Souths and as a result, Johnson said every game is now verging on being given must-win status.
“Definitely. I know I say it every week that all the games matter and they’re all crunch games, but this one really, really is,” he said.
“In the big scheme of things, we can’t afford to drop this one.
“Last year we played Lithgow close to the finals and it ended up deciding fourth, and we always have tight games against them. We’re expecting another one.”
Against the physical Zig Zag side Johnson highlighted execution inside the circle as the most crucial aspect for his side.
“Realistically we might only get three or four really good, clean shots on goal,” he explained.
Wanderers take on Lithgow Zig Zag from 2.35pm on Saturday, at Orange Hockey Complex.