Local bragging rights will go on the line this Monday night when Brisbane Roar Youth take on rivals Gold Coast United at Owen Park, in what is theclub’s final fixture of the 2010/2011 National Youth League season.
Roar Youth will be determined to make it two wins for the season against the Gold Coast after beating their M1 rivals for the first time ever in round seven of this year-s competition.
While impressed with his player-s passion and determination to get a good result on Monday, Brisbane Roar Head Coach John Sime stressed that his side must also play smart football.
“Derbies are great for the game, however the players need to turn all the extra emotion that surrounds this fixture into some smart football on the day, otherwise you can lose control and the match gets away from you,” said Sime
“If the boys stick to the system and structure we have had in place all season we should have no problems at all and the extra feeling will push the players to maintain the high level of performance for the entire 90 minutes.
“While beating the Gold Coast means a lot to the club and the players, I hope the boys can focus foremost on giving a quality performance on the day.”
While Gold Coast United have been the standout side of the NYL season, Roar Youth-s recent return to form has been a timely reminder to the boys from the Glitter Strip that Monday-s game will be a hard fought affair.
Sime is confident that his players have the ability to get the win on Monday, but believed it would take one of their best performances of the season to take down a high flying Gold Coast outfit.
“Gold Coast have been a very impressive side this season and deserved to win the league, but every side is beatable and my players have proven that by getting the win against them earlier this year,” Sime said.
“Beating the Gold Coast for the first time has given the players the belief that if they play to their best they can get the result no matter the opposition and that applies to every team not just the Gold Coast.”
With a long offseason ahead of them, the Brisbane Roar Youth side will be leaving no stone unturned to end their season on the best note possible.
“The players deserve to finish the season on a high and although it will be a tough match, I-m very confident the boys can come home with the result,” Sime said.
