Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Ray Gardner

Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans believes his Premiership winning side is in good shape ahead of their PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Semi-Final against Redlands United.

The match – a replay of last year’s Semi-Final won 2-1 by Strikers in extra time – is the first match for both sides since their midweek exits from the Westfield FFA Cup.

However, with the possibility of a second straight Grand Final appearance, A’herne-Evans says his side are in the right frame of mind despite their fighting defeat to Melbourne City.

“They really enjoyed the occasion and they’re good – still full of confidence,” A’herne-Evans said.

“There is quite exceptional ability that we have in the group. Every time that we’ve suffered defeat this year we’ve then gone on and had a very, very convincing run.”

“But with finals football coming up we know the scenario that we’re in.  What’s happened during the league all goes out the window.”

“It’s a case of turning up on Sunday focused on our strengths and what we can do and how we can hurt Redlands and also minimize the ability that they have within their squad.”

A’herne-Evans said he believes both teams earned the respect of Brisbane’s public during their Westfield FFA Cup runs and this augers well for another enthusiastic crowd on Sunday.

“Both teams acquitted themselves really well against A-League opposition so there’s no reason why, when it’s fresh in the memories of everybody, they would not come back to Perry Park on Sunday night.”

“In the last couple of years the games between the Strikers and Redlands have always been even and there’s been some unbelievable goals scored.”

“So I think that once again the football purists will be out on Sunday knowing there’s going to be a lot of good footballers on the pitch.”

Strikers have met Redlands six times in the past two years across all competitions meaning there will be few surprises for either side in the winner-takes-all showdown.

“We know what to expect from Redlands.  This is it for them – this is their whole season other than the victory against Adelaide.”

“I think they’ve got more about them in that squad - I look at that group of players and there’s no way they should have just scraped into the finals.”

“We know that on Sunday we’re going to be up against a team playing for their last chance at a bit of silverware this year,” he concluded.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Queensland Semi Final

Brisbane Strikers FC v Redlands United FC
Sunday, August 28 | 6:00PM
Perry Park, Brisbane