RICHMOND Rovers and Lismore Workers will look to bounce back from costly mid-week games when they meet at Richards Oval today in Far North Coast premier league soccer.

Rovers conceded a last-gasp goal in their 2-all draw with Lismore Thistles on Tuesday night, which saw them slip from the top of the ladder to be replaced by Goonellabah.

Workers also coughed up a late goal in their 3-2 loss to Goonellabah on Wednesday night, leaving the Redmen two points outside the top five.

While Rovers will be able to run on an unchanged side, Workers will again have to shuffle their line-up, a problem that has plagued them all season.

Defender Luke Pirlo is suspended after a red card against Goonellabah, with Jack Baker also missing and doubts over the availability of robust striker Jonty Miller.

With limited depth, the Redmen will start as underdogs against the undefeated major premiers, with Rovers coach Bobby Bugden calling on his side to maintain their focus.

“The late goal against Thistles cost us dearly and we have to concentrate for the full 90 minutes of every match,” Bugden said.

“We got away to a great start this year but knew a slow-down would probably happen at some stage, so now we need to get back to our best for the second half of the season.”

Bugden will start up front with the league’s top scorer Jonathan See.

With support from mid- fielders Russell Dent, Jake Heffernan and Kurt Walker their wealth of scoring options has delivered an average of more than five goals a match.

Kick-off is 3pm.

In other games today, Thistles will be looking to consolidate their place in the top five with a home win over Alstonville, while Lennox Head hosts Italo Stars with the outcome having a bearing on the battle to avoid relegation.

Both kick off at 3pm.

One game will be played tomorrow, with new league leader Goonellabah tipped to win its away clash with Casino at 2.30pm.