Magpies Crusaders drop 10 points below safety, pressure is mounting for a result

Mackay and Whitsundays in an uphill battle for survival after another loss, but the side is “gelling really well” despite the poor form.

Marko Milutinovic for the Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders against Moreton Bay, July 18 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Relegation pressure continues to mount for Magpies Crusaders, as the side drops 10 points from safety.

Mackay and Whitsundays had another heavy 4-0 loss to Moreton Bay, but it was Capalaba’s shock 3-1 win over Gold Coast Knights that will have table implications at the end of the season.

Magpies Crusaders striker Jimmy Odenwalder said there was pressure to produce a result.

“I think we’re defending more than we need to early, we’re not wanting to concede those early goals and that puts pressure on ourselves,” he said.

“When we do concede those goals, that’s when the pressure actually comes and we need to score then.”

Melad Ahmad is tackled but denied the penalty in the Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders match against Moreton Bay, July 18 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Odenwalder started the match against Moreton Bay, after a good performance off the bench against Gold Coast.

“I think everyone prefers starting, but there’s an expectation for the subs to bring that extra energy and intensity to make the difference,” Odenwalder said.

“I’m happy to make the difference and play that role when I need to.”

Bradley Whitworth slides in and picks up a yellow for the Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders against Moreton Bay, July 18 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Odenwalder said the consistency was a big issue for the side.

“We need to take our consistency in training into games,” he said.

“We usually train really well during the week and then we’re patchy in games, our energy has been more flat in recent weeks.”

Aaron Kidmas for the Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders against Moreton Bay, July 18 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Despite issues with on-field consistency, Odenwalder said the side was staying positive and focused on its goals for the end of the season.

“First and foremost, staying in the NPL is definitely a priority,” he said.

“We’ve still got a fair few games left, and I think the group has been gelling really well lately which will hopefully help us later on.

“The energy is as good as it can be after a couple of tough losses, it’s never easy losing, but it’s a positive group and everyone is trying to stick together through this.”