Barnstoneworth FC captain Josh Summerson says the key to his side's continual improvement throughout the Western Premier League campaign is to ensure the red and whites are always playing at their own pace.
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It seems a simple enough task but it was one Barnies veered away from at times during their 1-all draw against Macquarie at Jack Brabham in round one and if the side wants to accrue wins in 2020, they'll need to manage the tempo.
"Ideally, we want to be in control of the game," Summerson said.
"We want to keep the ball, get the opposition running and get their legs tired, then take opportunities when they're there.
"It's about playing smart rather than hard and fast."
Barnies will have the chance to implement that game plan in round two as the side is set to travel to Bathurst for a clash with Panorama FC, an outfit the red and whites have already seen twice in the lead-up to this year's tournament.
"We played them in two trials before the season started," he said.
"We're expecting a good hit out against them. They would have used last week to build on combinations.
"It's always tough to travel so if we can get a point or a couple of points, I'd say we'll be pretty happy."
Barnies' keeper Matt Savaro is looking like he'll be a game time decision on Saturday after suffering a cut to his cheek during the season opener but luckily for the travelling side, its well adept to covering that position.
Brock Logan kept a clean sheet for the red and whites in round one and is no stranger to wearing the gloves.
"We think Sav [Savaro] will be good to go but Brock [Logan] was the old Mariners keeper for 6-7 years," he said.
"He just really wanted to play in the field this season. He's more than capable."
"A few of the boys saw Sav [Savaro] on Tuesday and said his face was still swollen pretty badly but he reckons he'll be good to go so we'll see... I've got my doubts," he laughed.
Saving goals is important but scoring them is crucial Summerson's stoked at the class of Brazilian Paulo Grassi who moved down from Brisbane at the start of the season.
The striker scored the side's lone goal in round one and the skipper says the experience he brings to the club is invaluable.
"He's really talented and has his own style of play," he said.
"There's not many people around the district who play the game like Paulo does.
"He brings a different look and even the way he does things at training is different."
"It's not the way other people do things but it still works."
Barnstoneworth FC will travel to Proctor Park on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off against Panorama FC, before enjoying a bye in round three.
The Bathurst boys are also off a 1-all draw and will be looking to chalk up their maiden win of the returning WPL season.
The red and whites will then return to Jack Brabham in round four for a clash with Lithgow Workmens FC.
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Jake Humphreys
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
