NQU TAKE IT TO LIONS
NORTH Queensland United will be more bullish against Brisbane’s Lions FC as they “walk the tightrope” in their quest to avoid the drop.
Knocking on the door of relegation, NQU has to turn its recent results around but it’s not known if the club’s top scorer will play the National Premier League clash at Brolga Park tonight.
NQU skipper Corey Waples, with five goals behind his name, is injured. He joins sidelined centre back Darren Walker at the front of NQU coach Michael Brooks’ concerns.
Brooks said United may be forced to change its playing style if Waples and Walker cannot play.
“With injury restrictions might be forced to make a changes,” Brooks said.
“We want to get right in faces and harass them.
“We want to make sure we’re getting to the ball quickly.”
Brooks said this attacking approach would provide United with “a tightrope to walk”. Too aggressive, United could lose players through bookings or turn the ball over with a brash forward run.
But Brooks said his side would we few their have to take these risks against the Lions, who he believes could sit at the top of the ladder.
Lions are fourth on the table and have a game in hand, whereas NQU sit second- last, with the bottom two sides to be relegated.
NQU was meant to play the Lions in round four but the match was rained out.
“This is the only team we haven’t played before,” Brooks said.
“We know they’re a good team. They’re going to be very tough.
“They’re very quick, very fast and very strong. Having a few A- league players, they have the ability.”
The Lions line- up includes former Brisbane Roar striker Jean Carlos Solorzano and midfielder Jonti Richter, Phoenix South.
“Obviously Lions are one of the big teams in the comp. We’re sort of the little dogs who don’t get paid to play,” Brooks said.
Not one to use the minnow in the pool excuse, Brooks said NQU had improved despite the recent run of and left former Wellington back Josh Brindell- unfavourable results. He said NQU could stand a chance if it “turns up” on the night and is more clinical in front of goal.
The NQU versus Lions FC game kicks off at 5.30pm.
The Socceroos’ opening World Cup clash against France will be screened live on a big screen after the game.