Manly United mid-season report card
With the season as its halfway point, Manly United captain Jamie Lobb reviewed the 2018 campaign to date.
*How would you summarise the year so far?
It has been a mixed bag of results for us. Our slow start was well documented, but we then managed to string a few good results to put us back in contention. It is a very tight competition, any team can beat anyone one their day, so we are fortunate in that sense that we aren’t too far from the leaders.
*What aspects have you been happy with collectively?
The mood in the camp is still very positive, the belief hasn’t changed. We showed from this point last season what we are capable of. The key for us is to be clinical in front of goal. In most games we create plenty of chances, but don’t score enough goals. That has to change.
*What do you need to work on?
Converting our chances and avoiding defensive lapses at key moments in games. This league has plenty of good strikers and midfielders, you can’t switch off or you get punished.
*Key players
Nikola Taneski has been great playing on the right, a more than suitable replacement for Dejan Pandurevic. We have missed Scott Balderson’s enthusiasm, his willingness to compete and win is key for us. Sash Macura has been injured a bit as well, and once Sam Wilson and Matt Fletcher are fit, we will worry a few teams.
*Generation next
I’ve been impressed by Marley Peterson and Kye Conna. They have probably played more minutes than anyone expected, but you need quality depth to be successful. Daniel Alessi has also been a quality pick up from the Newcastle Jets, his combination with Travis Oughtred is getting better each week.
*Seven of your remaining 11 games are at home. How crucial could that be?
The aim is to make Cromer Park a Fortress. It is a long way to come for most teams, and we train on the pitch multiple times a week, we need to use that to our advantage leading into the semis.
*Finally out of five, what would you rate Manly United so far in 2018?
Probably 2.5 out of 5. There is always room for improvement.