City sits one spot above the Suns on the NPL2 ladder, having secured just the one win and four draws throughout the season.
The opportunity for a maiden win is obvious to Suns president Michael Criscera, who says the club’s next block of games is integral if the side is to get back on track.
“It’s a six-point game for us, we really need to start making inroads to get out of the bottom two,” he said.
“It’s an important game, obviously a lot of changes this season have impacted our results, injuries to key players and losing our number one goalkeeper in Zac McLeod (for the season) has hurt us.”
But on a positive note, former Suns keeper Lucas Enders has returned to offer his services in goal, alleviating the keeper crisis.
Ben McEvoy is another new name on the Suns’ team sheet, the under-21 defender adding to the Suns’ Irish contingent, having most recently played with Wrexham in the English National League.
“Lucas Enders is back with us for the rest of the season after moving to Melbourne last year,” Criscera said.
“He (McEvoy) looked very promising last week — he comes to us as an under 21 from Ireland and has played with Wrexham, he’s looking very promising.”
The Suns’ newest Irish recruit will unfortunately miss the clash this weekend after receiving two yellow cards in last week’s loss to Kingston City.
But as one goes out, another comes in, with centre backs Adam Gatcum and Sean Pye due to return from suspension and injury respectively.
As the mid-season transfer window approaches on June 21, Criscera says the club will continue its efforts to secure high-level players.
“It’s a very difficult eight week’s worth of games coming up, we’ll be looking to bring some mature bodies in to bolster the squad in key positions,” he said.
“Moving forward especially — we’re looking out for a striker and an attacking midfielder.”
Assisting with the recruitment drive will be Suns coach Craig Carley, who, after a week off, will return to the Suns’ dugout this weekend.
Criscera said the brains-trust at John McEwen Reserve had full faith in their stalwart manager, who would work with a new managerial set-up around him going forward.
“Craig took break for a week but will return this weekend,” Criscera said.
“Our technical director Billy Marshall came in on the weekend to look at the structure and set-up.
“Lee Blackburn has been promoted from the under 21s, he’ll come up and assist Craig to provide a stronger structure around the senior team.
“Pat Kielty will remain as our assistant manager.”
More hands on deck may well be the catalyst for a change in fortunes, and Criscera is aware points are quickly becoming a necessity if the the club is to avoid a relegation dogfight.
“Our next four weeks will be critical, to be honest, we really need at least two wins,” he said.
“We’ve got to keep chipping away and remember our whole purpose as a club is giving kids the opportunity, like we saw with Garang (Kuol) last night.
“It’s proving to be a tough year but we’ve got to keep chipping away and hopefully things turn our way.”
