Confidence Key For Red Devils
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC
Redlands United player-coach Graham Fyfe says his side are ready for their first ever PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series.
The Red Devils finished third in the regular season and will face second-placed Brisbane Strikers on Saturday night at Perry Park, with the winner advancing to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final.
Redlands booked their place in the post-season with a stunning run of form that saw the club lose just two of their last 15 matches.
However, Fyfe said that in the do-or-die atmosphere of finals football previous results will count for nothing.
“I think when it comes to Finals that form goes out the window a little bit,” Fyfe explained.
“Confidence is really the big thing and we have confidence because we have been winning but those wins won’t get us to the Grand Final.”
He added, “If you change what’s been working then that’s a bad thing. We will just keep doing what we do.”
Fyfe conceded the great unknown remains how Strikers will react to the cancellation of their final fixture of the regular season and the disappointment of missing out on a tilt at the Premiership title.
“It can work both ways and it comes down to how individuals react. Some will go harder and some will not.”
“It’s still going to be two good teams that want to play good football. Both teams have good players in every position and players that can turn games.”
“Our games have all been close this season and I have no reason to believe it’s going to be any different in the Semi-Final.”
The match marks the Red Devils first PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series appearance and their highest ever finish in the competition.
However, Fyfe said close enough won’t be good enough for his ultra-competitive teammates.
“We’re not a massive club in terms of where we are situated - you’ve got teams on the coast and in the city and teams that spend a lot more money than us as well.”
“While it’s fantastic for us to make the finals, now we’re there we are not going to want to lose and say ‘oh well, we’ve had a good season’.”
“So our season is sort of starting again now and hopefully we can win these two games and it will be remembered as a very, very good season,” he concluded.
Brisbane Strikers FC v Redlands United FC
Perry Park, Brisbane
Saturday, September 5
Kick-off at 6:00PM
*This match will be LIVE-STREAMED at www.nplqld.com.au
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.