Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland

Brisbane Strikers left back Scot Coulson remains confident his team can upset Premier Palm Beach Sharks in this Saturday’s semi-final at Mallawa Complex.

Brisbane born and raised, Coulson has been a stand-out for Strikers this season down the left side, delivering 8 goals as the club secured a second successive finals appearance.

The 19-year-old said despite some up-and-down form throughout the year, his side will be ready for the challenge of Sharks in the must-win match.

“I think as a team, the coaching staff and the playing staff combined, we think we can get the job done,” Coulson said.

“We are more than capable and I think the boys all believe that as well.”

Strikers are one of only three teams to have kept Sharks scoreless in the regular season and Coulson said the key to beating Palm Beach is to again shut down their attacking threats.

“It’s no secret they have one of the most potent attacks in the league. Chris Lucas is obviously quality and Dan Dragicevic has had a good year as well,” he explained.

“If you want to beat Palm Beach then you’ve got to stop these guys from scoring goals because you’re guaranteed they will be a threat up front.”

“A few times this year we have gone behind with the first goal and it’s essential we don’t do that against Palm Beach,” he added.

Coulson, who previously played at Queensland Academy of Sport and Brisbane Roar Youth, said his head-turning performances this year are a result of more familiarity with Strikers style of play and greater awareness of his opponents.

“I had an alright year last year when I came in and had a few starts and got a bit of a feel for it,” he explained.

“But I guess  you could say the extra year of maturity is the key and knowing what I’m up against as well so I can adapt myself to it.”

He also said the patchy surface at Mallawa Complex hopefully wouldn’t adversely affect the way Strikers play.

“You got to stick to your guns and if you have a way of playing and a philosophy you have to stick to that as much as you can,” he explained.

“The last time it was pretty bumpy but it wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. So we will turn up on the day and see what it’s like and take it from there.”

Sharks host Strikers in the first of two elimination semi-finals this Saturday at Mallawa Complex. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm.

The second semi-final will see FNQ FC Heat host Olympic FC at Barlow Park in Cairns. Kick-off in that match is scheduled for 7:30pm.