Words: Staff Writers
Image: Steven Gibson Photography

Brisbane Strikers winger Trent Clulow says his side is determined to secure their first win of the 2016 campaign this weekend against Gold Coast City.

Despite being a dominant force in pre-season, Strikers have made a sluggish start to the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues season – backing up their opening round draw with Brisbane Roar Youth with their first loss of the season to Redlands United last weekend.

However, Clulow said he and his teammates are determined to ramp up their efforts this weekend on the Gold Coast against fellow finals favourites Gold Coast City.

“Everyone was pretty disappointed – it’s not the start we were hoping for or had planned for,” Clulow explained.

“I think the boys have reacted strongly and I guess essentially we’ve got a platform now to build some momentum.  We really need to take that energy and the hunger and disappointment we have from Saturday into this weekend’s game at the Gold Coast.”

“The senior players certainly recognised that we need to step up and set a benchmark, especially in intensity and work rate and the desire to win games.”

Asked what went wrong against Redlands, Clulow said the team needs to improve their return in front of goal in the notoriously high scoring competition if they are to break through for the three points.

“We didn’t create enough chances, basically,” he said, “In the bulk of our games across pre-season we’ve been the team that has dominated the chances and we certainly weren’t creative enough in the final third against Redlands.”

Clulow added the conditions awaiting Strikers on Sunday at Duncan McKenna Field will be challenging – including the mid-afternoon kick-off time and a playing surface that is often criticised by visiting teams.

“Given the time of day it’s likely to be quite hot and humid and that does affect the general pattern, the intensity and the brand of football,” he explained.

“Even when we played at home last year (in a daytime kick-off) the game was very slow and it came down to a couple of chances that we ended up taking in the end.”

“But our preparation hasn’t changed.  We will stick to our principles and despite the fact that the pitch isn’t the greatest, it’s early in the season so it’s probably as best a time as any to play down there.”

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 - Round 3
Gold Coast City FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sunday, March 13
Duncan McKenna Field, Gold Coast
Kick-off at 3:00PM