Strikers Ready For Fury
Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images
Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans says his team will bounce back from Wednesday’s Westfield FFA Cup heartbreak against Northern Fury tonight in Townsville.
Strikers twice sacrificed leads in an extra-time epic against Hume City at ABD Stadium in Melbourne to ultimately be eliminated 4-3 from this year’s Westfield FFA Cup.
However, with the club sitting top of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland and looking to win their first silverware in the competition, A’herne-Evans said he was confident of claiming all three points against a Fury side that has proved inconsistent throughout 2015.
“We’re confident we can go up there and get three points. We’re still top of the table and, if anything, Wednesday night has brought us closer together,” A’herne-Evans explained.
“It is hard to believe, because the players are an incredibly tight group, and they know it’s important to make sure that we win something for the club this year.”
Despite the epic two-hour tussle with Hume City, Strikers ended the match with only a few injury concerns - Apai Ukuno ruled out with a cork while Keenan Duimpies is expected to play in Townsville after an x-ray ruled out a suspected fractured elbow.
A’herne-Evans said the club was conscious of managing the demands of a punishing week of travel and are confident the measures taken will see Strikers step onto Townsville Sports Reserve ready to perform.
“We had a pool session and massages for the boys, just making sure they were all on track with nutrition and hydration levels to make sure that we can perform at our best up in Townsville”, said A’Herne-Evans on Thursday night.
“I’ve said all along I honestly don’t think there is a fitter team in the competition than what we are and Wednesday night was evidence of that again, with the ability in the 115thminute of some of our players to be able to make lung-busting sixty or seventy yard runs in search of that fourth goal.”
“It’s credit to them. They’re a remarkable bunch of players and they’ve quickly moved on,” he concluded.
Fixture Details:
Northern Fury FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Townsville Sports Reserve, Townsville
Saturday, August 1
Kick-off - 7:00PM
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