Consistency Key To High Flying Jets
Moreton Bay United Jets are set to field a relatively unchanged squad as they prepare to face FNQ FC Heat at Wolter Park on Saturday night.
Last season saw Jets constantly tinker with their senior men’s side as coach Terry Kirkham balanced form and injury concerns in the club’s inaugural National Premier Leagues Queensland campaign.
So far this year, with the club currently sitting fourth on the table, Kirkham’s outfit have proved more settled and the highly regarded coach has only made only one change to his starting eleven in each of his side’s first three fixtures.
That consistency has paid dividends with Jets unbeaten so far following an opening day win against Western Pride and two solid home draws against Harimau Muda ‘A’ and Brisbane Roar NYL.
“On only two occasions last season we put the same team on the park two weeks in a row,” said Kirkham.
“In my opinion, that made last year’s success (finishing sixth) much, much bigger.
“When we lost players (through injury) we decided to bring the kids up. We used about 35 players in total, mostly between 16 and 28. We’ve only replaced seven players we lost last season.”
“Now the squad’s football knowledge is better. They know how we want to play and what I want as a coach. Their skill base is better and ability has improved immeasurably.”
Kirkham was proved right in the past two weeks with Jets matching their professional opponents from the Roar youth setup and Malaysia’s best Under 23 talent.
Attacking midfielder Jared Austin will be among the players looking to build on those performances this weekend when the Cairns-based Heat venture to the south-east corner of the state.
Austin, who joined Jets from Albany Creek Excelsior in the summer, said before the Roar clash he was disappointed not to have made the scoresheet in his first two games.
That changed in the 63rd minute with a pin-point looping header which ultimately secured Jets a well-earned point.
“I thought it was a very important game to score in,’’ said Austin this week.
“Not only for myself but for the squad as well. It was good to get a good goal against the Brisbane Roar.’’
Tonight’s senior men’s fixture kicks off at 6PM at Wolter Park.
The club’s junior NPL sides will play this weekend’s Round 6 fixtures at Mallawa Complex on the Gold Coast against Palm Beach Sharks.
Words & Image: Moreton Bay United Jets
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