With two rounds remaining before the finals get underway, Hanwood FC is looking to maintain their positive momentum when they play host to Leeton United on Sunday afternoon.
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Heading into this weekend, the Griffith side is sitting on top of the table on goal difference ahead of the Lake Albert and safely holding a position within the top three regardless of the final two results.
Coach Anthony Agresta is pleased to have ticked off one of their goals.
"We were aiming to pick up a top-three finish," he said.
"These last two weeks are about making sure we are heading into finals in the best possible position.
"Whether you finish first or third it doesn't really matter because at times the week off can work against you."
There is still an uncertainty heading into the weekend with the club still waiting on advice about the five-game suspension handed to midfielder Andy Gamble while he was playing for Wagga City Wanderers.
"We are still waiting on a bit of clarification but are hoping to have an answer by the end of the week," he said.
"You don't want to have players like Andy missing games, but at this stage, we have to prepare as if we will be playing without him.
"If we are able to have him back before the end of the season that will be a bonus."
Since having the weekend off with the competition wide bye, Hanwood has seemingly rediscovered their form from earlier in the season as they are heading into the weekend off the back of three wins in three games.
"The last couple of weeks have been pleasing," he said.
"I think our biggest problem was that our training wasn't where it should have been, and it is just one of those things that can happen in the middle part of the season.
"Now it seems that we have turned that corner and will be looking to continue our momentum."
Leeton United are heading into the game needed to make sure they keep picking up points as they are only three points ahead of the sixth-place Young Lions. Agresta knows they are a side that can't be taken lightly.
"It is a good cross-town rivalry that we haven't had for a couple of years, and it is always a tough battle against those guys," he said. "They are still fighting to stay in the top five, so the pressure is really on them."
The clash will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday at Hanwood Oval.
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