Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Sam Attwood

Brisbane Roar Youth coach Josh McCloughan did not hide his disappointment following a frustrating 1-0 loss to Sunshine Coast FC on Sunday.

Despite Young Roar creating the bulk of the chances and dominating possession for long periods, they proved unable to capitalise against a stoic Fire defensive effort.

The result marked the first time Young Roar had been kept scoreless so far this year in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues and sees them drop to tenth in the table – their lowest position of the season so far.

Speaking post-match, McCloughan said the performance from his charges was not up to the high standards he expects for a team representing Queensland's only fully professional football club.

“In all honesty, the first half was probably one of the worst halves of football I’ve had to watch in a long time,” he explained.

McCloughan added, ““I don’t think our performance individually or collectively was anywhere near. If I had to give an assumption of how we looked there I would say it was about 30 per cent of our potential.”

“There are a lot of improvements to be had and it seems that during the Easter break the boys have rested a little bit – so it’s time to get to work.”

Asked if the early afternoon conditions had affected his side, McCloughan refused to make excuses.

“I have no complaints about the wind, the field or the heat. It just comes down to the fact we didn’t bring our best to the game and that’s why we took nothing away.”

Young Roar will look to bounce back against Western Pride this weekend and will look to draw inspiration from a 12-0 win in the corresponding fixture last year - the result an all-time record winning margin in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 - Round 6
Saturday, April 9
Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Western Pride FC
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Kick-off at 6PM