Cigana returns for Diamonds

Defender Steve Cigana is back from suspension while captain Brett Delphin (hamstring) and Peter Maddison (hamstring) are expected to prove their fitness this week.

“Steve is likely to come back, provided he trains, and we’re hopeful the other two will be right as well,” coach Craig Cartwright said yesterday.

The additions would be a welcome boost to the Diamonds after last weekend’s loss.

After winning their first four matches of the season, the Diamonds have only managed one draw and two losses in the last three weeks, most notably Sunday’s shock 3-1 loss to Wangaratta at La Trobe.

The Diamonds have fallen to fourth on the championship table but could return to top spot with victory against Albury United on Sunday at Jelbart Park.

Cartwright said winning the three points was his side’s only objective.

“We match up well with United ... they’re a physical sort of side and that brings us into the game,” Cartwright said.

“Whenever you play away from home you’re happy to come home with at least one point, but we’ll certainly being going there looking for a win.”

Despite the recent setbacks, Cartwright was bullish when asked whether his side was a genuine top-four threat: “We’ll be there, don’t worry about that,” he said.

“We’ve been playing some young blokes and trying some new structures out because now is the time you want to be doing it, not at the other end of the season.”

Sunday’s clash is also an important occasion for Albury United which remains in third after last round’s scoreless draw to Boomers FC.

The Greens have a game in hand due to their postponed night match.