Adamstown could improve to third place with victory over winless New Lambton at Alder Park on Friday night in a match Rosebud coach Ryan Campbell described as a "must-win".
Rosebud are fifth on 19 points as Newcastle Herald Women's Premier League reaches round 15 of 21 while the last-placed Eagles are yet to take a point this season.
But Campbell remained wary of their opponents, who are set to unleash new signing Sophie Nenadovic. The W-League midfielder has joined New Lambton from NSW National Premier League Women's side Manly.
"Soph is a good signing and they've got good players in their team but they probably haven't been getting the results or being as competitive as you would expect them to be with those players, so they could come and turn up and have a good game," Campbell said.
"We need to try to get on top of the game early. It's really one of those games where they've got nothing to lose and we've got lots to lose."
A win would propel Adamstown ahead of fourth-placed Warners Bay (19), who play league leaders Newcastle Olympic on Sunday, and third-placed Maitland (21), who host second-placed Broadmeadow on Saturday.
Charlestown (15) play Mid Coast in Taree on Sunday in the other round-15 match.
Rosebud won 2-0 over New Lambton (0) in round one and 6-0 in round eight.
The visitors will be without defenders Leia Puxty and Jemma Lawson, who remain out due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
New Lambton coach Maddy Searl was expecting a tough hit-out but was keen to see what impact Nenadovic could have on the game.
"Adamstown are a well-coached side and very physical," Searl said.
"The girls need to remain disciplined and be clinical in front of goal. Nailing our individual roles will be key for us to get a good result. The girls are all excited to get out there with new signing Sophie [Nenadovic]."
Kick-off on Friday night is 6pm.
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