THE Pottsville Panthers cannot afford any mistakes when they come up against the Lismore Thistles tomorrow.

Not if they want to start the Football Far North Coast Premier League competition on top.

But coach David Lonie said their efforts would be hindered by injured and suspended players.

“We’re missing about four key players this weekend, which will make it hard,” Lonie said.

“We’re basically getting out there and trying to pull a win on the day.”

Pottsville played Lismore two weeks ago in the Anzac Cup pre-season competition and won 2-1.

“We played one man down for most of the second half,” Lonie said.

“But we can’t underestimate them. They’re a good squad.

“We can’t afford any mistakes on Sunday, that’s for sure.”

The Panthers would focus on playing possession football and fortunately have the fitness to back it up, Lonie said.

“We’ve had a pretty good week of training and hopefully if things go well on the weekend we can get the win and get on top of the table from the word go.

“The boys are looking forward to starting the regular season.

“They’re ready to go, so it’s just a matter of doing the job on the day. Hopefully we’ll have enough depth and can pull it together.”

The club has welcomed new addition Robert Shaw, who will be coaching the reserve grade and assisting with the first grade.

The Pottsville Panthers will play the Lismore Thistles tomorrow at 3pm at Lismore.