Back to basics is the catch cry for Dalefield leading into their Wellington premier division women's hockey match with Karori at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington tomorrow.
Coach Nigel Goodin said management and players were well aware that if the same communication hassles which led to their disappointing 2-1 loss
to Victoria University last weekend raised their ugly head again they would very probably suffer a similar fate.
"We've had a good look at what went wrong then and there is nothing that can't be rectified very quickly," Goodin said.
"Returning to basics is the key, do that and we should be ok."
Goodin said several individuals had strong games against Victoria University but the teamwork was not up to scratch.
"We didn't work together as a unit, the communication between players wasn't what it should be," he said.
"We need to be a lot more positive in that respect and I'm sure we will be."
The last time Dalefield and Karori met nine goals were scored with Dalefield securing a narrow 5-4 victory.
It was an important win in context of the competition table for Dalefield currently lie in fourth place with 10pts and Karori fifth with eight points.
Therefore a repeat success for Dalefield would greatly enhance their semi-final aspirations while a loss would have entirely the opposite effect.
Goodin recalls Karori as being very competitive in all departments and is anticipating another close, tense encounter tomorrow.
But with Dalefield being at full strength and keen to make last weekend's poor effort a distant memory he is "very optimistic" about their winning prospects.
The loss of talented Geoff Ewington through sickness is a blow to the Dalefield men as they prepare for their Wellington premier division match with Northern United at the National Hockey Stadium tomorrow
However, coach Mark Fenwick is confident Wairarapa College pupil Hayden Sergeant will be an able replacement and, that if his side maintains a tight defence against a Northern United side which will capitalise on any loose ball they could cause them a few headaches.
"They (Northern United) are the sort of side who will punish you if you give them the chance to counter attack and that's what we have to avoid," he said.
Fenwick is hopeful too that Dalefield will be more accurate in their finishing work that what they were when beaten 3-1 by Victoria University when several goal scoring opportunities were wasted.
