SYDNEY FC FIRES AT BARLOW
JOSHUA Taylor is one of the best talents in the FNQ Premier League but he was kept contained by a Sydney FC outfit finalising preparations for their A-League title defence.
The Sky Blues ran riot, banging home five second half goals to seal a 7-0 win in its pre-season hitout as the defensive unit prevented the FNQ Select XI from earning any real shots on target.
It was exactly what Edge Hill United leader Taylor expected from the clash, but that didn’t take away from his experience against Sydney FC.
“Chasing shadows a bit,” he said of his experience.
“Touching the ball was limited, but I knew that going in. That first press is always so quick so you have to be sharp and know what you’re doing next. It was a good experience playing alongside these lads.
“That’s what we play the game for, to test ourselves at the highest level.” Taylor, who also coaches at Caravella Football Academy, said it was a game the region’s youngest players could learn from.
“It was a good test, but the scoreline doesn’t show what kind of game it was,” Taylor said. “Towards the end they showed why they’re national champions. It was a great experience to have lots of young lads out there.
“The consistency and pace of the game, of where they need to be. It was a fantastic effort from us.
“I think it’s great for the region. There were plenty of young kids there watching the game – get them involved and try to get them to the highest level they can.”