Local bragging rights go on the line on Sunday at Spencer Park as the Brisbane Roar Youth take on a top of the table Gold Coast United, intent on cementing their position as the number one team in the competition.
The Roar, currently sitting second in the competition, go into this match looking for a win, eager to prove that last week-s 4-1 loss to Sydney was only a minor glitch in what has so far been an impressive start to the season.
With the Gold Coast maintaining their position as competition leaders, despite also coming off a 4-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory, Brisbane coach John Sime believes that this game is a must win for both sides.
“Coming off our defeat to Sydney, and the Gold Coast coming off a similar defeat to Melbourne, both teams will hope to get back on track,” Sime said.
“As far as I-m concerned we need to focus on putting in a good performance on Sunday, I-m very confident that if we put in a good performance we will be rewarded.”
Brisbane does not have a good record against the Gold Coast since their introduction into the competition last season, they are yet to record a win against their southern neighbours.
While the game is both a local derby and a top of the table clash, Sime has stressed to his players to focus on their own game and not get caught up with little distractions.
“We haven-t spoken about our position on the table or any other distractions this week, the players usually don-t discuss that sort of stuff and I certainly don-t discuss it with them; I‘m more focused on ensuring they put in a good performance on Sunday,” said Sime.
While Sime was disappointed with his side-s last result, he is sticking with the same formula that saw the roar go undefeated in their opening six matches.
“We had a hiccup last week, but you don-t go and scrap everything you-ve been working on just because of one bad performance, this is a learning curve for them all,” said Sime.
“The boys are looking forward to this game; it should be a great match.”
Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United
Sunday 7 November
Spencer Park, Brisbane
Kick-off 4pm
Brisbane Roar Squad: Matt ACTON (gk), Ross ARCHIBALD, Daniel BOWLES, Christopher BUSH (capt), Matthew BYRNE, James DONACHIE, Ken DOUGALL, Liam McCORMICK, Jacob McLEAN, Josh McVEY, James MEYER, Dane MILOVANOVIC, Alistair QUINN, Matthew THURTELL, Nick TUBBS (gk).
Gold Coast United squad: Tim ANDERSON [gk], Josh BRILLANTE, Neko VUJEVICH, Ben WEARING, Koh SATAKE, Zac ANDERSON, Chris HAROLD, Bobby RUSSELL, Ben HALLORAN, Elliott RONTO, Mitch COOPER, Matija SIMIC, Luke MUIR [gk], Steven LUSTICA (c)
