It's second versus 10th, and as such motivation for both teams is high.

For United it will be to try and stay in touch with league leader Wallis Lake, while Wingham is trying to stay out of the relegation zone.

United travelled to Wingham in round six and took all three points with a 3-1 victory.

It was 3-0 at halftime, but United was disappointed to lose the second half 1-0.

Walsh was particularly unimpressed.

"It doesn't matter if you are playing a top four team or the bottom team in the Premier League this season, all teams are capable of creating an upset," he said.

United was guilty of not taking opportunities that day, but the players have put that trouble behind them in recent weeks.

Walsh's men are full of confidence heading into this match after putting six into Taree's next last weekend.

The team is fit, with a full roster to pick from.

Keeper Luke Jennings will be keen pick up a clean sheet and continue United's top defensive record.

Taree managed to put one past him into the net last Saturday but it was from the penalty spot.

Jennings will be looking to United's experienced back four of Damien Cross, Andy Collins, Lucas Heagney and Brad Spokes to continue to help him keep the record intact.

The previous game against Wingham was a match where Dave Straiton first got a spell in the top grade.

His calm on the ball and communication with teammates means Straiton adds a lot to the team.

Straiton has a hold on the starting centre midfield position, and he's been a handful to opposition defences in recent rounds.

Port Saints welcome league leader to town

PORT Saints will host Football Mid North Coast Premier League leader Wallis Lake tomorrow in their bid to get some valuable wins on the board as the finals loom.

The Saints are three places from the bottom of the ladder, and if a win eludes them in this round, they could see their finals hopes slipping away.

A tough ask awaits them this round, but team manager Mark Rogers expected the Saints to go well.

"Any points will be most welcome, but we expect to win, and we think we can," he said.

"But we don't have any illusions as to the task ahead.

The team is close to full strength for the match. The only player missing is James Alexander, who is away.

Rogers looked to the younger team members to step up and start winning some games for the team.

"They've been training hard," he said.

Darrell Pascoe and Scott Buchanan are two players who have found their feet recently. They are both in defence, along with Saints captain Anthony Jamieson.

It will be a hard week for the Saints. They have a replay on Tuesday against Camden Haven Redbacks before taking on Kempsey Saints next Saturday.

Port FC will battle on for rest of season

PORT Macquarie FC takes on Kempsey Saints tomorrow at Tuffins Lane with FC desperate to bounce back after last week's humiliating loss to competition leaders, Wallis Lake.

FC went away with a depleted squad last round and the results were reflective of the lack of depth available to Coach Tony Wilson. Despite the loss in both grades, club spokesman Terrance Stafford believes there were still a number of positives to come out of the away trip.

"Young Oscar Brotherston (15) made his debut between the sticks and despite being on the wrong end of the score line can hold his head high," Stafford said.

Stafford even noted the commendable effort made by Bill Axford.

"Billy played a full game of reserve grade and was then called upon to make his first grade debut after an injury to Aiden Shaw. Talk about a baptism of fire," Stafford said.

"Lakes were good and Billy came on and did everything asked of him, we couldn't have asked for much more from him."

Fortunately for FC though things are looking slightly better for tomorrow's home fixture.

Club stalwart Matthew Ramm will be available and is likely to slot into his usual defensive position to help bolster the defensive ranks. Jack Lewis will also be available after missing last week at a bowls tournament.

Other players available for selection this week include Dakota Stafford and Ben Foulis who both missed last week's game due to work commitments.

Unfortunately, the club casualty ward is growing bigger by the week. Rory Stafford has now been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a shoulder injury joining the long-term injury list of Jordan Morris (ankle), Sam Wilson (leg), Kristian Fletcher (knee) and Corey Day (knee).