Strikers Won't Take Fury Lightly
Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland
Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans is puzzled by Northern Fury’s poor run of results this year and says he won’t be taking them lightly this weekend.
Strikers, who are amongst the form team’s of this year’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues, host the winless Fury in Brisbane this weekend in a match many supporters are already eyeing as a guaranteed three points.
However, after reviewing video of his upcoming opponents against Northern Fury and Redlands United, A’herne-Evans has said Fury will be a much more difficult prospect than the current league standings suggest.
“I watched them against Brisbane Roar Youth and they had a real positive energy to them,” A’herne-Evans explained.
“They pressed Roar really well for the first 20 or 25 minutes and it was one of the few games where Roar struggled to get constructive build-up from the goalkeeper.”
“And they were one of the only teams I’ve seen keep the ball off Roar for long periods. It was a real surprise.”
He added, “Fury had multiple opportunities to get goals against Redlands – it was just that final little bit of execution (that was lacking).”
“So if any of our players think that on Saturday they are going to be able to turn up and go through the motions and get a result they are in for the shock of their lives.”
A’herne-Evans’ task this weekend is made tougher by the recent departures of attackers Alistair Davis (to Redlands) and Shelford Dais (to Central Coast Mariners Youth), as well as recent injury concerns for Rhys Meredith and Luke Marsh and the unavailability of centre-half Jake Marshall.
However, he said he was confident that he will still have all bases covered against Fury.
“Marshy and Rhys are both fit and Shaun Carlos, who has been out sick for a long time, comes back into it.”
“Chris Maher’s flexibility is an important part of our squad, so he will slot back into the centre back spot next to Greig Henslee.”
“And Jonti Richter is still ticking away nicely and has come up well this week so far,” he concluded.
Strikers will be looking to overcome a poor head-to-head history against Fury – with the Townsville club only tasting defeat once against their capital city rivals in six previous fixtures.
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 10
Saturday, May 14
Brisbane Strikers FC v Northern Fury FC
Perry Park, Brisbane
Kick-off at 6:00PM
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