Launceston City’s most crucial encounter to date is the one with its closest rivals.
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No one plays down the Derby Cup matches, but the clash this time with Northern Rangers could be the start or the end of City’s challenge.
The emerging club took one step towards a top-four berth when it edged out its main rival for 2016 during a 1-0 victory over Olympia Warriors last week.
“Last week was a good all round performance, possibly the first 90-minute effort for the season,” City coach Lino Sciulli said.
The result was even more important in what possibly was a six-point game.
The three gained for the win jumped City up to 13 points from 13 games that includes its fourth win.
It also halted Olympia’s chances of pulling a further three away to 24 points.
A 14-point margin effectively would have ended their campaign to match last season’s fourth finish.
Sciulli now wants his charges to carry the momentum on Saturday against a wounded Rangers outfit.
“It is a must win or last week’s good win will be for nothing,” Sciulli said.
“I see that the forecast is more rain, but the NTCA usually drains well but will still be tough and should be pretty physical. Like all games, it’ll be very tough.
“We’ll take a look at the Rangers squad over the week and go from there.”
Rangers coach Des Baker is looking forward to the home side lifting for the occasion at the NTCA No.2 ground.
“Launceston City are similar to us in all positions, so head-to-head we match up well,” he said.
“I don’t think that they have any player who is a great standout, who we have to watch, so it is a matter of showing them all respect.”
Baker, just three weeks into the job, also believes that rivalry could inspire Rangers to their first win.
The two clubs fought out an earlier draw and a win could secure the underdogs its only silverware this year.
“So far City have more points on the board than us, so we will need to be on our toes,” Baker said.
“But of course we will be looking for our first win for the season.”