Brisbane Roar Youth are preparing to face their latest challenge when Newcastle Jets fly into Brisbane for this Sunday’s match up at Spencer Park.
After returning from Canberra with all three points courtesy of a 4-1 win over the AIS, the Roar are looking to extend their lead at the top of the National Youth League ladder.
Brisbane Roar Youth head coach John Sime said he had been encouraging his players to take it up a level for the second half of the season, starting this weekend against Newcastle.
“It has come to a stage now where we have to step up a level, there will be a bit of pressure on all the boys to put in a good performance now and until Christmas,” said Sime.
“I have set the boys performance goals for them to reach over the coming weeks so hopefully they put their heads down and really perform to the best of their ability.
“Although the game against Newcastle this week will be tough, the boys should be putting in their best possible performance no matter who we are playing.”
Sime was confident that although he gave the players a few days off this week, they will be able to get back to business come Sunday.
“I had to give a few of the boys some time off this week for school and university exams ,however they will be back for a big session tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, ” said Sime.
“At this point of the season the players know what they need to do on game day so it shouldn-t be a big issue, this is what is expected of professional footballers and the boys understand that; they will be good for the match and probably happy for the break.”
Sime also stated that he was not making any changes to the game plan that has served Brisbane so well this year, believing that continuity was the best possible situation for the players.
“Nothing will change at all game plan wise, we might make some little moves in terms of players however we want to preserve the quick passing and flowing play that we have demonstrated on a number of occasions this year,” said Sime.
Coming up against a Newcastle side that, although undefeated at home, has struggled in away fixtures, Sime was adamant that it will be a tough match.
“Every game in this competition is a challenge; every team is very competitive and will push you if you-re not on your game,” he said.
“If the boys put in a good performance the result will follow.”
Brisbane Roar FC v Newcastle Jets FC
Sunday 21 November 4:00PM
Spencer Park, Brisbane
Referee: Jason Crow
Brisbane Roar FC squad:
Matt ACTON (gk), Ross ARCHIBALD, Daniel BOWLES, Christopher BUSH (c), Luke BRATTAN, Matthew BYRNE, James DONACHIE, Ken DOUGALL, Liam McCORMICK, Jacob McLEAN, Josh McVEY, James MEYER, Dane MILOVANOVIC, Alistair QUINN, Matthew THURTELL, Nick TUBBS (gk).
Newcastle Jets FC squad:
1. Robert KOLAK (GK), 2. Sam GALLAWAY, 3. Mario SIMIC, 4. Jon GRIFFITHS, 5. Kyle EWART, 6. Luke REMINGTON, 7. Scott PETTIT, 8. Jacob PEPPER, 9. Gavin FORBES, 10. Jesse PINTO (c), 11. James VIRGILI, 12. Steven VELESKI, 13. Fabian IACOVELLI, 14. David TALEVSKI, 20. Jack DUNCAN (GK)
