Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Steven Gibson Photography

Brisbane Strikers winger Trent Clulow believes his team is still to realise its full attacking potential as it prepares to face fellow finals contenders Gold Coast City this weekend.

After a slow start to the season, Strikers currently sit second on the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues table, four points behind leaders FNQ Heat with a game in hand.

While Strikers defence – which boasts seven clean sheets in their past eight league outings – has been widely lauded, Clulow believes his side is due for a change of fortune in the attacking third in coming weeks.

“It has been a theme that we are defensively strong because we starve the opposition of the ball – it’s hard to score when you don’t have it,” Clulow explained.

“But converting those opportunities that we do get in front of goal, and being a bit more adventurous and risky in the final third, is the next step. But it’s there – we can sense it.”

Conversely, the City side Strikers face this weekend boasts the most prolific attack in the competition, with Clulow identifying two players he and his teammates need to close down if they are to improve on the 1-1 draw in the sides' previous meeting.

‘Their attacking midfielder, Ben Litfin, is obviously a threat – a goal scoring midfielder who scored against us last time. He’s had a great first round and he’s one that we’re going to have to keep an eye on.,” he explained.

“And their big striker, Jarrod Kyle, he seems to be scoring and getting some momentum in front of goal.”

Despite not taking the field during last weekend’s round of catch-up fixtures, Strikers still benefitted as fellow title contenders Redlands United fell to an upset defeat at the hands of Brisbane Roar Youth.

However, after coming second to last year’s Premiers Moreton Bay United on goal difference, Clulow said the side is determined to be in charge of their own destiny in this year’s push for silverware.

“(Coach) Kevin (A’herne-Evans) wants us to collect enough points to go and win the trophy on our own, but I guess we do need situations where results go in our favour,” Clulow said.

“One thing that we need to do is focus on our own results, instead of getting caught up in others.”

“It’s been a bit of a curse when we’ve known results at half time in games previously so we really need to put that behind us,” he concluded.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 14

Brisbane Strikers FC v Gold Coast City FC
Saturday, June 18 | 6:00PM
Perry Park, Brisbane