Weston Bears.
The Weston Bears head into their last game of the season against Charlestown City on Sunday looking to end their disappointing 2012 campaign with a win.
Despite lofty pre-season expectations Weston will finish seventh regardless of the scoreline at Lisle Carr Oval, while the fourth placed Blues can finish as high as second pending the result of the match between Newcastle Jets Youth and Broadmeadow Magic.
Weston will have Carl Thornton and Joel Hardwick backing up after their appearance for the Northern New South Wales representative side in their 2-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets on Wednesday night at Adamstown Oval.
Midfielder Robbie Turnbull made his representative debut in that match but will miss out on Sunday through suspension after his sending off in Weston’s 2-1 loss to premiers Hamilton Olympic last weekend.
Turnbull said he enjoyed the experience of representative football and taking his game to the next level.
“It was really good, it was nice playing with different players and Damo (NNSW coach Damien Smith) was full of confidence,” Turnbull said.
“Before the game he said he was confident we could do something and we were up 1-0, the Jets dominated possession but they didn’t really break us down.
“It was a good experience playing against stronger, faster guys and to play with two of my team mates as well was great.
“It gives you a bit of perspective from outside to what the standards are and the professionalism involved at that level.”
Despite his absence Turnbull is confident Weston can finish their season on a high against a Blues team who have it all to play for.
“It will depend on what kind of attitude we take down there,” Turnbull said.
“It’s the last game of the season and everyone knows we’ve got six months after this to get some things right. I suppose there’s no pressure on us and we can just go out and play football.”
The 27-year-old veteran of over 150 first grade games didn’t hide his discontent with Weston’s frustrating season but believes if the team take their chances on Sunday they can get the job done.
“It’s been disappointing, if you say anything else you’re lying,” Turnbull said.
“For the team we’ve got and where we’re at it hasn’t been good enough for a club of our stature.
“I guess we need to rectify things for next season and learn from it to become a better team.
“Hopefully we take our chances on Sunday because it’s been the story of our whole season, defensively we’ve been quite strong, as a team we need to make sure we take our chances when they come.”
Weston will also be without striker Jason Cowburn who is facing a two match ban after receiving his seventh booking of the season against Hamilton last time out.