United coach convinced boys can bounce back

INNISFAIL United will be looking to convert their midweek disappointment into weekend motivation and Leichhardt FC looks set to be the unlucky team on the receiving end.

They might hold the lead on the Premier Men ladder but were made to look foolish after going down 8-2 in an FFA Cup tie against Mareeba on Wednesday.

Innisfail United playercoach Joshua Taylor said it gave the group some perspective on how quickly fortunes could change, expecting Leichhardt to strengthen their leaky defence of the opening two rounds.

“You can’t read into results too much really. We’d only had two goals scored against us before Wednesday and looked what happened,” he said. “We weren’t expecting that result to be honest but we’ll bounce back and everyone’s keen to do so.”

Taylor said an atmosphere of positivity was evident in the team despite the landslide loss and challenged the players to rise to their potential tonight.

The former Sunshine Coast QSL and Brisbane Strikers NPL player said he believed some teammates had the tal- ent to go to the next level, but had to produce it consistently.

“We’re positive all the time and we get along and really enjoy our football. We’re jelling together really well,” Taylor said.

The Premier Women’s match this afternoon will arguably be more fiery, with several Leichhardt FC players and even coach Mareeta Nicolau taking on a number of former Innisfail United teammates.

Both sides have yet to drop a game but the home side will be much better for their first run of the season in a draw against defending premiers Edge Hill last week. Leichhardt beat the Tigers in their opening game.

Mareeba are the surprise leader of the Premier Women’s competition but will have the ultimate test of their mettle against Edge Hill tomorrow.