Wanderers to address slow starts

While Deni faces bottom of the ladder La Trobe Black this weekend, Wanderers coach Mark Plant said they will be no pushover.

The Wanderers lost to Black 7-4 in round seven of the fixture, in Bendigo.

Plant said Red on the other hand are second on the ladder, and provided a challenge for Deni last week.

“They’re in second position for a reason,” Plant said.

“We had our moments, but we had a slow start.

“We conceded another three in the first 15 minutes and were strong the rest of the half.

“In the second half, we threw a different formation at them, which took a little time to adjust to. But once we did, it worked well.”

Plant said the team looks more adept when they get on the ball, rather than when they have to play defensively.

He said this will be the focus heading into the weekend.

“We look good when we get the ball and can play our game.

“The slow start to both halves last week cost us.

“Hopefully, we use that and start the game better this week.”

Last round’s player of the match was the Wanderers’ goalkeeper Raphael Nelley, who Plant said made several saves to keep the scoreline to what it was.

“The highlight and players’ player last week was Raphael Nelley, playing in his first season as a goalkeeper.

“It could’ve been a lot more than eight, so he was great.

“It was good to see and he has been improving week on week.”

Plant said the Wanderers had some great support on the sidelines last week, which he hopes to see again when they play at Rotary Park again tomorrow.

“We got a good crowd last week, which is good to see. Hopefully, it’s the same again this week.”

The Wanderers’ game plan stays the same.

“We need to stay focused when we get our chances and hopefully get a bit of possession.

“It’s probably our best chance for a win in our remaining games.”