A THREE-week break will see Albury United at full strength for the “Battle of Jelbart” tomorrow.
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Coach Adam Carty has an embarrassment of riches, with a fully-fit squad including young gun Rhys Bradbury for the clash with Albury City.
He said the extended break came at the right time.
“When we look at our season we haven’t had enough consistency in the line-up through injuries, and the three-week break doesn’t help that,” Carty said.
“But it did offer the opportunity to have a break, to get over niggling injuries and battle-weary bodies.
“Now everyone seems OK and all are jostling for the first 11 spots.”
In the first round a late United goal saw the points shared in a 2-2 draw.
Unlike United, City goes into the derby licking its wounds after coming off second best against Twin City last week.
“We ran out of legs against Twin City — dropped our heads and they ran over us in the second half,” defender Nick Higgins said.
“They are the best team in the competition by far.
“They (Wanderers) keep the ball really well and are threatening going forward with Zac Walker, Matt Hasler and Matt Gray, so they are pretty hard to contain for any team.
“But Aaron Gough is back for us, which gives us some leadership and added depth.
“Hopefully we don’t lose in the last five minutes this time around.
“These games are always tight, I’d expect this to be no different.”