UnbelievaBULL: Why Ipswich team facing huge challenge

“If we play like that - with that sort of heart and effort and intensity - and if we can keep that same side together, then I’m confident we’ll get out of trouble.’’

Ripley Valley and the Ipswich City Bulls players battled hard in the latest local derby at Ironbark Park, South Ripley. Picture: David Lems

ON Ipswich City’s latest local derby performance, it’s hard to believe the Bulls are at the bottom of this season’s Capital League 1 football table.

That’s something head coach Norbert Duga has been hearing regularly as his team battles to escape the relegation zone.

“That’s what a lot of people have been saying to us,’’ Duga said.

But after his team’s latest 3-2 loss to Ripley Valley on Friday night, Duga offered an honest appraisal of the situation.

“Ultimately it’s the fact that we haven’t been able to play our strongest side and not even close to our strongest side or not even consistently be able to play the same side all season,’’ he said.

“We’ve had to make changes - and I’m talking like two, three four sometimes - every week and you can’t get any momentum.’’

The Bulls have some of the most experienced players in the league who can produce quality football.

That was highlighted in the opening local derby where the Bulls upstaged Ripley Valley 3-1 at Sutton Park.

In the latest duel, the Bulls were well in the game when Quentin Dodd levelled the scores at 2-2 in the second half from a neat cross into the goal that surprised everyone.

It took a late goal from Ripley striker Thomas Webster to break the deadlock.

The Bulls hopes of avoiding relegation have been boosted by recent signing Emmanuel Peter and the return of captain Joel Munn.

“We’re slowly getting the numbers back from injuries and suspensions and people away and work commitments and all that sort of thing,’’ Duga said.

Heading into Friday night’s main on a rainy night at South Ripley, the Bulls had just two wins from 11 matches to be on six points.

Ahead of them were Slacks Creek on seven and New Farm United on 10.

The bottom side is relegated at season’s end.

“If we play like that (Friday night’s game) - with that sort of heart and effort and intensity - and if we can keep that same side together, then I’m confident we’ll get out of trouble,’’ Duga said.

“But as every week goes past, it’s going to be harder and harder.

“I’m trying to tell them to keep their heads up.

“They are disappointed and I understand that because when you work so hard and you come away with nothing again, it hurts.’’

City’s next chance for victory is against North Pine at Sutton Park next Saturday night.

The Bulls have seven more second round games after that to show their fighting spirit and deservedly rise above the relegation threat.