Melbourne United coach Darryl McDonald says his team's confidence is unaffected by a poor road record. Source: News Corp Australia
MELBOURNE United will be searching for just its second road win when it meets a dangerous Wollongong at the Sandpit on Friday night.
United has a healthy 7-7 win-loss record this season, but road warriors they are not.
It has chalked up a solitary victory in six games away from the comforts of home.
It now heads to Wollongong on a two-game losing streak before returning home to face the Josh Childress-led Sydney Kings at Margaret Court Arena on Sunday.
"We've been solid at home but have struggled on the road," United interim coach Darryl McDonald said.
"So going to Wollongong we're going to have to stick to the game plan.
"If we do that and cut out the mishaps, we give ourselves a chance.
"The confidence is still there."
Wollongong has improved in recent weeks and will be looking to chalk up its third win in four games on Friday night.
Melbourne United's Lucas Walker screams out in frustration during a recent close loss. Source: News Corp Australia
Under coach Gordie McLeod, the Hawks have always been a very strong team at home.
McLeod this week said he believes Melbourne boasts the league's top playing roster.
''Talent-wise, they (United) have probably got six of the best players in the competition,'' McLeod told the Illawarra Mercury.
''They can attack you virtually one through five and they've got different ways to go at you, so it's not a team you can just focus on one or two players to shut down."
He may be talking Melbourne up, but McDoanld knows how strong the Hawks are at home.
"They are probably one of the teams playing really well right now," McDonald said.
"And they play really well at home.
"They have a great system and a great coach, and we know they'll make a run of this thing like they did last year.
Melbourne United's Mark Worthington is set upon by New Zealand Breakers' Ekene Ibekwe and Cedric Jackson. Source: News Corp Australia
"We definitely won't be underestimating them."
McDonald was not too critical of his side's two losses last week.
But there is little doubt Melbourne must start stringing a few wins together to avoid losing pace with the competition heavyweights in Perth and New Zealand.
McDonald said he is still looking for a four-quarter performance.
"For us, it is just consistency," he said.
"I thought we did a lot of stuff well against Adelaide and New Zealand.
"But we didn't take our opportunities when we should have.
"We just need to play for 40 minutes, which is the one thing we don't do and even in the games that we have won."
United will be without big man Chris Patton and guard Owen Odigie on Friday night.
McDonald is hopeful both will be available for Sunday's big clash with the Kings.
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