Premier League Hockey: Souths wants that winning feeling to come against Orange United

The last time Souths qualified for the finals was in 2015 and while the two blues have been close in a number of campaigns since and the word 'potential' has been frequently used, they've not been able to take that next step.

But having witnessed the improvement Souths has made since the start of 2021, current coach Ange Johnson has faith that her squad can be a title contender.

With seven rounds gone Souths sits in fifth, but they've only lost twice - each time by one goal - and as four draws illustrate, they can match their PLH rivals.

"I certainly think that we have been in every game and there's been improvement and I would say I don't think our current standing reflects that, we just need to measure it in other ways," Johnson said.

"We are talking about a team that over the past two years has had growth, but a lot of that growth has been in this last seven games.

"We are there and I can see it going to the next level. We've just to got keep pushing for that and know it is there."

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When it comes to turning those draws into wins to try and force their way into the top four over the second half of the season, Johnson is clear with what she is looking for from her squad.

It's trust.

"To take it to that next level we've got to trust each other more in attack, we've got take those little chances and trust that every player can step up," Johnson said.

"We need to push for those wins, we are in every game and the team can take a lot of confidence from that, but now what we need to do is capitalise.

"The leadership team in this group is phenomenal, Tahni, Nik and Sarah, collectively their experience not only in their playing ability, but also in their ability to run the training drills and get players on board, that's what we are trying to capitalise on."

This Saturday Souths will face second-placed Orange United, an outfit which beat them 2-1 in the season opener.

But since round one the Souths playing group has not only shown the improvement that Johnson speaks of, but they've also discovered what it feels like to win.

"Parkes for us was a big win, they didn't win a game last season, so when you look at what it felt like to win, that wasn't something this player group is used to," the coach said.

"Now we need to capitalise on that feeling, that push to take the extra step and get hungry in the circle.

"Once that clicks in, they are going to be a really exciting team to watch in this last half of the season."

The match starts 12.30pm in Orange.

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