Words: Nick Crockford, Moreton Bay United
Image: Keith Eigeland, Football Queensland

How will NPL Queensland’s tightest defence handle the league’s top scoring side? – that’s the key question ahead of this Saturday night’s top-of-the-table clash between Moreton Bay United and Palm Beach Sharks.

Moreton Bay have scored an impressive 45 goals in ten matches so far this campaign – with 29 of those coming from Jets’ prolific forward pairing of Royce Brownlie and Charles Mendy.

Jets are currently second in the standings, a single point behind league leaders Palm Beach.

Aided by former Gold Coast United centre half Kristian Rees, Sharks have conceded only four goals this season and recorded back to back clean sheets in home wins over Harimau Muda ‘A’ and Brisbane Roar NYL.

Jets captain Royce Brownlie, whose 18 goals sees him head the race for this year’s golden boot award, said despite the blockbuster match-up it has been business as usual at training this week.

“They have good players and defend in numbers, but we’ll stick to our game plan on Saturday,” said Brownlie, who was a foundation player with Brisbane Roar in the A-League’s first season.

“We’re a different side to last year. With two goalscorers upfront, teams have two players to mark and that can create more one-on-one situations for us and others.”

“Our midfield has also been outstanding this season with the speed they break at, getting the ball down and playing it through to the forwards.”

Brownlie added that his own goal-scoring exploits have come as a slight surprise.

“If you said at the start of the season that I’d have 18 goals after 10 games, I wouldn’t have fancied your chances. But it has happened and now we’re always trying to score more.’’

Jet’s coach Terry Kirkham said he remained confident his side would perform against Sharks.

“We have an intensity through the squad and for the first time this season, no injuries,” said Kirkham.

“Regardless of the result I’m looking to come out of this game with confidence. I’m confident. I always am every week.”

Some of Jets younger players have received their chance with the senior side in recent weeks including 18-year-olds Jack Baresic and James Honey and 17-year-olds Doug Brown and Gabriel Durand.

Brownlie said it was indicative of Jets’ approach and Kirkham’s coaching philosophies.

“Opportunities are coming up for young players. They’re training with us and the really good thing about Terry is he believes in players,” Brownlie enthused.

Jets and Sharks line-up on Saturday night at Wolter Park with kick-off scheduled for 6PM.