Felix backs his young guns
NEW MA Olympic coach James Felix is confident his young squad will “give the competition a good shake” after beginning their Premier League campaign with a 1- all draw against Burdekin on Saturday night.
Last year’s grand finalists were left to rue a glut of missed goalscoring chances in their opening hitout of the year at Burdekin, who showed great tenacity to secure a share of the points.
The hosts took the lead in the first 10 minutes, before Olympic responded midway though the first half through co- coach Scott Dymock.
A handful of experienced key players left Olympic to play for National Premier League outfit North Queensland United this season, under former coach Michael Brooks.
But Felix is confident he still has the young talent to be in the mix again. “I thought we controlled the game really well and we created enough chances to win two games, but through some good goalkeeping and some lacklustre finishing we just didn’t put them to bed,” Felix said.
“Burdekin played tough and absorbed a lot of pressure. They deserve plenty of credit.
“The biggest challenge this year was getting the young fellas to believe we’re going to be competitive and that’s still a work in progress, but we’ll give the competition a good shake.”
In other matches, Rebels thrashed Brothers 4- 0, Saints Eagles Souths beat Wulguru 3- 2 and Warriors belted Ingham 5- 0.
In the women’s premier league, MA Olympic beat Burdekin 5- 2, Brothers shut out Rebels 5- 2 and the Saints Eagles Souths and Wulguru United clash was level at 2- all before it was abandoned due to an injury.