Brisbane Strikers head coach David Large remains unsure if he will be able on sidelines this Saturday night when his side line-up against Brisbane City in a do-or-die clash at Perry Park.

Strikers need a draw or better against second-placed City to qualify for the top four NPL Queensland finals series, however may go without the tactical nous of the highly-regarded Large, who was dismissed from the Strikers bench in the 2-1 mid-week loss to Moreton Bay Jets.

The dismissal comes with a standard one week suspension, ruling Large out of the City game; however, Strikers are awaiting the outcome of an appeal against the ban, citing mistaken identity.

The match is Strikers last chance to qualify for the top four finals series after spurning opportunities to book their place against Jets and Northern Fury in the past week.

A draw will be enough for Strikers to bump Redlands United out of fourth place on the NPL Queensland table, with the bayside club currently ahead of the 1997 NSL champions on goal difference.

Strikers have struggled with injury this year, losing last year’s QSL golden boot Matt Thurtell and back-up striker Josh McVey to season-ending knee injuries during the campaign.

Defender Alex Henderson will also miss the City clash with injury, while fellow back Andy Callaghan remains in doubt and will undergo a fitness test prior to being named in the squad.

While Large wouldn’t be drawn on the outcome of the appeal, he was blunt about his side’s chances against City, who Strikers defeated 5-3 earlier this season.

“If we don’t get the point then we don’t deserve to be in the finals. It’s that simple,” said Large.

Perry Park will play also play host to both club’s Under 20 teams prior to the main game. A win for either side will secure them the Under 20 NPL Queensland premiership.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm in the main game while the Under 20’s will kick-off at 4:30pm.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Keith Eigeland