Young Roar Head Coach Jake Goodship says his side are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against defending NPL Queensland champions Lions FC when they clash at Lions Stadium on Tuesday night (7pm KO).
The Young Roar come into Tuesday’s match against third-placed Lions FC on the back of consecutive wins over Gold Coast United and Moreton Bay United in recent weeks.
Goodship says the matchup with one of the competition’s frontrunners will provide a stern test for his side ahead of a run that sees the Young Roar play four of their last seven matches at home.
“It will be an exciting game. Obviously Lions are playing for the title so all the pressure’s on them, our boys can go out and enjoy themselves coming off of several promising performances,” Goodship said.
“It will be a real test this weekend, with a lot of young players getting the opportunity to stand up.”
Young Roar have scored an impressive 17 goals across their last four matches with Goodship adding there is plenty of belief amongst his side.
“The pleasing thing is that it’s not just one or two players scoring, the goals are shared amongst the group and they’re real team goals,” Goodship continued.
“There’s a belief that if we work hard as individuals, as a collective results will come and that’s what’s been happening.
“As long as we continue to work hard, I’m sure the goals will keep coming.”
The lead in to Tuesday’s match has coincided with the beginning of the Roar’s Hyundai A-League squad returning to begin pre-season preparations.
Goodship says his squad are eager to impress with a number of players already gaining the opportunity to train with the first team during the week.
“The new boss has come in, it’s a good opportunity for the boys to showcase what they have, Robbie (Fowler) knows what they’re like, he knows the detail of the players.”
“For them to actually train in the first team environment is a big step up and there’s a lot of them in the mix, having that opportunity to show what they’ve got, it’s really good for the players.”
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Queensland 2019 – Round 23: Young Roar v Lions FC
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Tuesday, 9 July (7pm KO)
