Sunshine Coast Fire’s head coach Kevin Aherne-Evans has challenged his side to finish the season on top, saying unless they win the NPL Queensland finals series he will not consider the campaign a success.

Speaking in the lead-up to Fire’s semi-final clash against Brisbane City at Spencer Park this Saturday night, A’herne-Evans reiterated Fire’s high expectations based on their past success in the Queensland State League.

“We’ve always said it’s no achievement to play for the Fire – you’ve got to win things, especially at the senior level, and that’s always been our goal for the season,” A’Herne Evans said.

“Unless we win the finals we won’t class it as a successful season,” the former Cardiff City player and Wales Under 21 representative further clarified.

Fire won the last three QSL Grand Finals and A’Herne-Evans wants to replicate that record in an NPL Queensland finals series that also features premiers Olympic FC and Fire's former QSL rivals Brisbane Strikers.

“People have turned around and congratulated us for finishing third, well reality is by the standards we set we expect to be far closer to Olympic than what we are.”

Despite the call-to-arms, A’Herne-Evans remained aware of the challenge provided by City at their home ground, despite Fire’s 6-1 victory at the same venue only four weeks ago.

“We’re not looking too much into that result. It was just one of those nights where everything we hit seemed to go in.”

“We’ve looked more into how they’ve responded afterwards – going away to beat the Fury and then beating Redlands at home. They sent a bit of a message to the other teams that they can bounce back.”

Asked about his team’s strength, A’herne-Evans said he was confident the side he puts on the park will be up for the challenge so long as they “play the game and not the occasion.”

“We’ve got a great goalkeeper, two great centrebacks, a really experienced midfield, a good front line and we got speed out wide – so we’re quite well balanced,” A’herne-Evans explained.

“City will really fancy themselves at home against us in the semi final, so we’re going down there expecting a high quality battle, which is what finals football is all about.”

Fire will be without James Verdin for the important match, following his sending off in Fire's 5-1 win oer FNQ FC Heat in final game of the home and away season.

Saturday’s semi-final will be precursored by semi finals in the NPL Queensland youth divisions.

Brisbane Strikers will face off against Queensland Academy of Sport in the Under 18s, before City shape up against cross-town rivals Olympic FC in the Under 20’s.

The winners of the semi-finals qualify for their respective NPL Queensland Grand Finals to be held September 8 at a venue yet to be determined.

Match Details:                                                                                 

NPL Queensland Semi Final:
Brisbane City v Sunshine Coast Fire
Saturday, 31 August 2013 – Spencer Park, 7:00pm

NPL Queensland Under 20 Semi Final:
Brisbane City v Olympic FC
Saturday, 31 August 2013  – Spencer Park, 4:00pm

NPL Queensland Under 18 Semi-Final:
Brisbane Strikers v Queensland Academy of Sport
Saturday, 31 August 2013  – Spencer Park, 2:00pm

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Sunshine Coast Fire