Pride Pleased With Pre-Season Progress
Words: Garry McKenzie & Michael Flynn
Image: Chris Simpson
Western Pride coach Graham Harvey says he is happy with the pre-season progress of his squad despite managing a raft of ill-timed injury concerns.
Pride netted five goals in an impressive performance against Brisbane Premier League side University of Queensland FC on Saturday night – marking a sharp turnaround following a previous start defeat in the BLK Silver Boot last Wednesday.
However, there were further injury worries for Pride as Daniel McHenery and Alistair Wallis joined Jordan Lambi and Nielen Brown as part of a growing injury toll.
Harvey said the performances of Youth Men players promoted to the squad for the friendly offered a silver lining, including striker Boni Thomas, fullback Cory Leggett and goalkeeper Jarryd Pollock.
“We are trying to structure the club to make a competitive pathway between the under 20s and the first team,” Harvey explained.
“The young players we fielded against UQ were good and have been doing exactly what we’ve been asking of them.”
He said as a whole he was pleased with the progress being made in his first pre-season with the club since joining midway through 2015.
“Across the three games we’ve had since Christmas I’ve been happy with how we’ve been defending,” Harvey explained.
“On the flip side it was nice to create a few more chances than we did on Wednesday night and put them away.
“Sean (Karambasis) scored on Wednesday night and two against UQ so that’s a positive but it would just be nice if we could get everyone to be doing that.”
Pride continue their pre-season preparations against Rochedale Rovers in the BLK Silver Boot this week and Harvey said it will be another important hit-out ahead of the PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues season.
“They are obviously still in contention to top the group so they will be going all out to win,” Harvey said.
“With our injuries we will probably field a makeshift side but it is a good challenge for the boys.”
“We are now managing people back from injuries to make sure everyone is ready for the first game of the season,” he concluded.
BLK Silver Boot 2016 - Group B
Wednesday, February 3
Western Pride FC v Rochedale Rovers FC
Lions Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off at 8:30PM
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.