Merewether coach Scott Ellis knows full well the danger Mid Coast striker Courtney Anderson poses as an understrength United prepare for a hit-and-run mission to Port Macquarie in Herald Women's Premier League on Sunday.
Anderson, who hails from the Mid North Coast, played for Merewether last year. She signed on as one of the younger and least experienced players in a team which included the likes of W-League striker Rhali Dobson but went on to feature in all 24 games and scored 14 goals. That included one in the grand final, which United lost 4-3 to New Lambton.
While Merewether are second on eight points and unbeaten after four rounds, Mid Coast will be brimming with confidence following back-to-back wins.
The victories over Thornton (5-2) then the Eagles (3-0) propelled them to six points and into a three-way tie for fourth with Broadmeadow and Warners Bay.
Anderson has scored four goals this season, all of which came against the Redbacks in round three.
"I saw mentioned in an article that Courtney had a breakout year last year and I think that is a really good description because the year before that she was in reserves and we played against her and, to be honest, I really didn't know who she was," Ellis said.
"Then when she came and joined Merewether she really stepped up a notch and was a really class act."
Merewether have four players out due to unavailability including three of their starting back line in Jamee Ellis, Ellie Withers and Isabella Ramzan-Levy. Midfielder Sarah Bergin is also out.
Lori Depczynski is likely to be dropped back into the midfield from a more advanced position in place of Bergin and Mischa Ball and Shani Vazey will be used in the back line.
Anderson has been nursing an ankle complaint all week but Mid Coast coach Michael Grass expected her to play and was giving the striker until game day to prove her fitness.
"It's always good getting a couple of wins under your belt but we've discussed that it will be a step up again this week," Grass said.
"There's a couple of individuals there that can just turn the game in a moment. They can really take the game away from you.
"But if we focus on those individuals too much then we can leave ourselves exposed in other areas. We're just going to focus on what we do and I'll back our individual players to deal with whatever comes up against them."
Adamstown goalkeeper Olivia Sneddon remains in doubt with an ankle injury as Rosebud look to bounce back from a 6-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle Olympic when they host Magic at Adamstown Oval on Sunday.
Magic came from behind to beat Warners Bay 2-1 on Wednesday night. Striker Adriana Jones did not play and is out again this weekend.
Leaders Olympic play last-placed Thornton at Thornton Park on Sunday. Olympic defender Stacey Day is out with a knee injury but attacking player Tulia Palozzi was expected to return after missing two matches with a back complaint.
On Saturday, Warners Bay complete a challenging week with their third game in seven days when they play New Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval.
American signing Jen Hoy scored in her first appearance for the club on Wednesday night. Midfielder Elodie Dagg is expected to play after she missed the midweek clash due to an ankle injury.
All games are at 3pm.
