Brisbane Strikers v Redlands United – Sunday, 10th March @ Perry Park, 6:00PM
The much-fabled Perry Park plays host to a match befitting its status as one of Queensland’s most iconic football grounds this Sunday when 2012 QSL Premiers Brisbane Strikers host 2012 Brisbane Premier League Premiers Redlands United in a tantalising twilight meeting.
Last year both clubs garnered high praise for their swift passing and fluid attacks, and the master tacticians at both clubs have promised more of the same in the NPL.
David Large, Director of Football at Brisbane Strikers, is quietly confident the one-time NSL champions will be ready for the match, “Everything’s going according to plan and I can’t wait for it to get started.”
"It will be a very tough game. I watched them last year and they play a similar game to what we play. One premier versus another - it's a juicy contest."
“Our squad’s still a work in progress, but in saying that we have prepared well and I think our strength is in our philosophy; we follow a controlled passing game and we’ve recruited in line with that.”
Asked if he believes Strikers can replicate their QSL success in the NPL, Large spoke cryptically:“If the Strikers are a club that everyone else in the league expects to do well then so do I.”
Matt Chandler, Head Coach at Redlands United, also fancies his club’s chances on the weekend but said he wouldn’t make the mistake of reading too much into early season results.
“It’s going to be a cracking game of football and a great advert for the league, but I think the first game will be too early to draw conclusions,” Chandler explained.
“I don’t think it’s just about winning or losing, it’s also about how we perform and how we go forward from there.”
“One of the key things for Redlands this season is that we retained a number of key personnel and also added to it with some high quality players. The depth we have now is better than last year.”
“The style of play and the way the NPL is set up is to make sure there is youth development and good football being played. It’s the same philosophy I have as a coach.”
Chandler was also well aware of his weekend opposition's recent reputation.
“I know Largey and the Strikers play very good football. He and I are similar in our philosophies and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
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