Manly Allambie United is running hot at the top of the Premier League with 18 wins and just one loss across their first and reserve grade teams.
Yet this season’s 4-1 win was the first time Kyle Cannon had beaten his nemesis Manly Vale in four years as head coach. And he plans to repeat the dose. By keeping it simple.
“We were just ‘on’ that day. We attacked them straight through the middle. We’ll look to do it again. It’s probably best not to overthink it,” Cannon said, adding that Sammy Grant was “a huge reason for us winning that day and we’re expecting another big game from her”.
While Manly Allambie is coming off a 6-0 thumping of Pittwater RSL, Cannon said he thinks his team played better the previous week in the 0-0 draw with Seaforth.
“We are confident but you can’t read too much into last week. Everyone’s training well. We had a bit of futsal on Tuesday because of the rain. It’s always nice to mix it up. All the girls will be primed for a big one – in both grades.”
Manly Allambie sits top of the table in both grades while Manly Vale is third in first grade and second in reserve grade.
Vale coach Tony Bruzzano said his squad is “preparing for a couple of tough matches”.
“Manly Allambie are flying in both grades, scoring plenty, not conceding many. And they have only had one loss over both grades in 18 games. That’s fairly impressive!
“Last time we played them they were too strong in all areas.
“Over the past few weeks, we have gone back to basics, focusing on getting the little things right,” Bruzzano said.
Regardless of the result Manly Vale will enjoy their football, according to Bruzzano.
“There is no pressure on the girls to perform. They put in the effort every week. Sometimes we come away with a win, sometimes we don’t. Either way, we try to enjoy our football. “We’re looking forward to every challenge. We hope to have prepared well enough, to at least be competitive over the 90 minutes,” Bruzzano said.
In other games Pittwater RSL play BTH Raiders, Beacon Hill hosts Wakehurst, Mosman travel to Brookvale and Seaforth enjoy the bye.
