Fatigue Doesn’t Worry Strikers
Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Michele Pitman
Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans says he is not concerned about his side backing up from their Westfield FFA Cup game ahead of their clash with Brisbane City.
Both Strikers and City were in action in the national knock-out competition midweek, with City eliminated on Tuesday night by Redlands United while Strikers advanced with a win over Southside Eagles on Wednesday.
Both were tightly-contested, draining encounters but A’herne-Evans said that the 24-hour advantage City have had to restore their energies would be irrelevant come Saturday night.
“I think people sometimes over-emphasise having a shorter return. I think that players perform better when they get into a grind of regular games,” A’herne-Evans said.
“Sure, they feel a couple of niggles here and there, but that’s part and parcel of it. I find it worse when there’s an extended break somewhere in trying to get them back after that. The performance after an extended break is the one that causes more problems at semi-pro level.”
“When there’s a lot of games in a short period of time I think you find the players go into them with a lot more enthusiasm, with good rhythm and a lot of confidence”.
A’herne-Evans said that with the exception of Rhys Meredith, who has been receiving treatment for a troublesome hamstring niggle and is unlikely to play, Strikers had no injury concerns arising from Wednesday night.
“The beauty of it is that everybody else pulled up well, and Shaun Carlos got good game time under his belt, which is key for him.”
“Also Luke Marsh had another start and we are starting to see a couple of the other youngsters coming through, like Feli Sheriff, and Sam Johnson got a bit of a taste last week against Northern Fury.”
“(New signing) Rees Duncan obviously comes back into it as well, so we’ve got fresh legs coming back in key areas.”
Strikers have a dominant head-to-head record against City with thirteen wins, one loss and a draw in all competitions, while the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues record reads five wins to Strikers and one to City.
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 11
Saturday, May 21
Brisbane City FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off at 6:30PM
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