He expects the Green Machine to lift its workrate in the teams’ quarter-final rematch at Willow Park tomorrow — but this time there is no second chance for the loser.

Carty will tweak a few positional changes in a bid to reach the semis.

“We were a little lethargic and will bring a few different players in, shuffle the structure,” he said.

“In some ways the game served its purpose, we got the hit out but I would have liked a bit more energy to carry some momentum into this week.

“It (losing) certainly wasn’t our intention going into the game — I’m a big believer in momentum.”

In a boost for the Greens, captain Elliott Jones is expected to play again after getting through his first game in six weeks.

Carty also expects United to lift its workrate.

“We pride ourselves on a high workrate, perhaps working harder than most teams, and that wasn’t there last Sunday,” he said.

“Training this week has been sensational and if we can carry that into Sunday we will be a very different side.”

The defending Cup champions took the points last week with a penalty inside 15 minutes, despite coach Jimmy Bell splitting with the club in the pre-game warm-up.

Injured Diamonds defender and best on ground in last year’s cup final, Jesse Stephens, said his team was also below par.

He said injuries had taken their toll, with question marks over Tim Crilley, Hudson Magerstein, Ben Whitehead and Steven Currie for tomorrow’s showdown.

“I don’t think we can blame losing Jimmy before the match, but like United we were off our game,” Stephens said.

“To be honest we played poorly.

“I don’t imagine we will change a lot in personnel — with our injury list our depth is stretched as it is.

“Last year we played under Richard Herzina (caretaker coach) and the system stays the same, it’s not a great difference from having Jimmy there.”

Willow Park will be the venue for two of the cup finals tomorrow, with Melrose and Myrtleford playing adjacent to the Albury United v Wodonga Diamonds clash.

We were a little lethargic and will bring a few different players in, shuffle the structure. In some ways the game served its purpose ... but I would have liked a bit more energy to carry some momentum into this week. ADAM CARTY