DON’T get caught up in the occasion. Just stick to the game plan.
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It’s a simple message from coach Niel Howard to his St Pat’s men’s Premier League Hockey side going into this Saturday’s derby against Souths.
Howard, going into his first derby as Saints coach, said his side are treating it like any other game.
“We’re just worried about what we’re working on. Last week was a 5-3 loss but it was probably one of our best games for the year. We’re not hyped up about ‘Pat’s versus Souths’ or anything like that,” he said.
“We’re being level-headed and trying to stick to the game plan.”
The loss to Lithgow Zig Zag did give Pat’s some positives but it did highlight areas for improvement.
In particular it exposed some errors on the ball that will need to be addressed before the derby.
“My biggest hate is cheap turnovers. We’re still doing that but the second half was 10 times better than the first,” Howard said.
“We’ve worked on our first touch at training. It’s critical. I believe we’re getting better at controlling the ball and not running it, playing a more short and sharp game.”
A win can bring Pat’s within two points of Souths on the ladder and reignite the battle for the major semi-final spot.
However, Howard is focused on getting his team to peak at the right time of year, saying a top two finish would simply be a bonus.
“We’re not looking at what position we could be in. It’s more of a week by week thing for us,” he said.
Pat’s and Souths drew the opening derby of the season 4-all before the latter proved too strong in rematch, 4-1.
The match gets underway from 3.20pm on Bob Roach Field.
I believe we’re getting better at controlling the ball and ... playing a more short and sharp game.
- Niel Howard