Brooks resorts to beer booster
NORTH Queensland United took a more relaxed approach in training this week.
Coach Michael Brooks said he aimed to break the stress which had been built up by the five consecutive losses.
“On Tuesday we had a bit of a light session and then had a team bonding session,” Brooks said. He said time away from football and a couple of beers boosted morale.
Brooks hoped this would sharpen his squad’s mindset and help them get to know each other better before they meet the formidable Brisbane Strikers away tonight.
“We’ve just got to keep working hard. Working together is the main thing,” he said. “We’ve got to learn our lessons because Strikers will be tougher, sharper.”
Last week the Strikers, sitting fourth on the ladder, beat second- placed Olympic FC 1- 0 while NQU were downed 4- 0 by Brisbane City FC.
NQU were jumped on the ladder by Mackay’s Magpies Crusaders FC this week.
Mackay had a 1- 0 win against Cairns FC on Anzac Day, lifting it to 11th on the ladder and one rung above NQU.
Mackay, NQU and SWQ Thunder have nine competition points, with only goal differences separating the three at risk of entering the rel- egation zone along with cellardwelling Sunshine Coast FC.
Brooks hoped the underdog status of NQU could be used as a weapon today in Brisbane.
“If anything, we go in with them already thinking they’ve ( Brisbane Strikers) got the win,” he said.
He said if NQU got behind the ball early and continued to play the full 90 minutes, the Strikers could be on the receiving end of an upset.
Next week NQU will focus on the FFA Cup, with the possibility of playing two games if it knocks out MA Olympic on Wednesday.
In the weekend’s North Queensland Premier League round, MA Olympic host Ingham FC, Rebels play Saints, Brothers take on Wulguru and Warriors travel to Burdekin.