Strikers 2 d Sydney Utd 0...Again!
Brisbane Strikers Under 12 boys NPL squad have reproduced one of the most famous scorelines in Queensland’s football history by defeating Sydney United Under 12’s 2-0 on a tour to the New South Wales capital this week.
The Under 12’s two-goal win echoes the result of Strikers historic 1997 NSL Grand Final triumph at a sold-out Lang Park – the first and only NSL decider won by a Queensland club.
Brisbane Strikers’ youngest NPL players, who currently sit second in their division with nine wins from eleven games, contested two matches in three days on the whirlwind New South Wales tour.
They followed up their impressive win against Sydney United with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manly United a day later.
Coach Stuart Hallam said the objective behind taking his team south of the border was to expose the boys to “very competitive” opposition.
“The boys noticed the difference against Sydney United, big time,” Hallam said. “The intensity was there in the opening fifteen minutes. And by intensity I mean good touch, excellent passing and quick decision making”.
Hallam said that another reason for undertaking the trip had been to help prepare the boys for the possibility of undertaking an Under-12s Skills and Acquisition Program tour to Japan later this year and for a planned Under-13s national championship next year.
“It’s good preparation for being away from their parents and for tournament play”, Hallam said.
Prolonged wet weather in New South Wales threatened to interrupt the tour with a fixture against Newcastle Jets cancelled due to the drenching conditions.
However, Sydney United offered a game at their recently opened, state-of-the-art artificial turf training complex after being contacted by Hallam.
“They have been fantastic”, Hallam said of Sydney United. “They gave us a game at short notice, put us up and fed us. Their hospitality was outstanding”.
Strikers Under 12's return from Sydney to face fellow NPL Queensland club Wide Bay Revolution this weekend.
Words: Steve Pitman (Brisbane Strikers) & Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Brisbane Strikers
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