After what has been a strong start to the season, Hanwood will start a tough run of games in the Pascoe Cup beginning with a home clash against Wagga United on Sunday.
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It will be a test for the defence which hasn't conceded a goal in the last nine hours of football in a start to the season which sees them sitting one-point in front of Wagga United heading into the weekend.
Coach Anthony Agresta said it was great to see the defenders getting recognised for their hard work.
"It's great to be able to keep a clean sheet because it means you are already halfway to a positive result," he said.
"The defence has been working hard, so it is good to see that paying off but it is a whole team defence effort. The boys at the top have been working pretty hard as well."
While the defence has been on top of their game right from the start, Agresta was also pleased to see the work of the forwards starting to pay off as well after picking up a 17-0 win last weekend.
"Last weekend was one of those games where we took advantage of our chances," he said.
"In the first few games, we weren't putting away the half chances. We talked about having a bit of composure in front of goal, and that appeared to work."
This weekend is the start of a tough run for the Hanwood side which will see them take on three of the top five sides and Agresta is looking forward to the challenge.
"The boys are up for this," he said.
"Having Wagga United, Leeton and Lake Albert in quick succession will be a good test to see where we stand up against the front running teams.
"We are just taking it a week at a time at this stage and keeping the boys ticking over."
After travelling away for three of the last four weeks, Agresta was looking forward to a home game and hopeful of getting a full strength team on the park.
"We have travelled away a bit short over the last couple few weeks," he said.
"Last week we had six regular guys out, and we still managed to get the job done which was pleasing.
"Hopefully, we will get a few back heading into this weekend."
Wagga United will be heading into the clash after picking up a 4-3 win over Young away from home last weekend.
The showdown between first-placed Hanwood and second-placed Wagga United will kick off at 3pm on Sunday out at Hanwood Oval.