Saturday could be the last time we see second-placed Gunnedah's influential international trio of Bruno Perroni, Bautista Burgos and Karl-Lembit Usta, who are set to leave Gunnedah due to work commitments.

Cygan said: "If we have the three international guys there by 3pm, get an early goal and play with some confidence again after two games where we really didn't turn up, we can get the result."

Read also:

The inspirational Rob Pryor will also miss the match through unavailability.

"We will need to defend well, stop conceding silly free kicks in bad positions and take our chances in front of goal," Cygan said.

"We also need to look beyond this last game with these guys [Perroni, Burgos, and Usta] and start sourcing players that will step up from reserves."

The lack of a reserve-grade outfit has proved a hazardous challenge for Kootingal coach Chris Jarrett and his last-placed side.

"Overall, the squad is too small this year, with just a first-grade team entered for 2021, which has meant that players that should be developing in, or dropping back to, reserve grade have to step up into first grade," he said.

"To the credit of the team, they all play to their hardest for the full 90 minutes and we continue to develop a culture and style of play that I am encouraged about."

The last time these two sides met it was Gunnedah who scored a convincing win, with Kootingal out to write the wrongs from round two's 12-goal defeat.

"Our goal this week will be to be competitive each half and to get something in the back of their net, Jarrett said.

At Johnson Field on Saturday, Oxley Vale Attunga host South United. OVA sit at the top of the table, while Souths are fourth.

OVA coach Tim Coates said: "The season now goes into a disrupted state - with games, then weeks off for byes and the National Primary Games.

"So the next three weeks are critical games and really are a competition within the competition."

Coates was quick to note a level of wariness about Souths' attack.

"South's have some talented players and are a good test for all teams who face them," he said.

"A good performance this week will see us walk away with a win against one of the sides who have improved consistently since entering the competition last year."

Souths have recorded three wins, three losses and a draw to start the season.

OVA will be without four regular players for the match.

"After the double-header weekend, as expected we had several players sustain injuries from the heavy schedule," Coates said.

"Long-standing injuries to Brendon Fergie and Harrison George, along with Chris Fenton and Bailey Keech, will see player depth tested."

Liam Beddow will also miss the match due to work commitments.

In the weekend's other match, North Companions play Tamworth FC at Marius Street. Moore Creek has the bye.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: