NQU up for fight to build a buffer
NORTH Queensland United will approach tonight’s road clash with Brisbane Roar Youth as a “free hit” to pile pressure on Redlands before next week’s crucial relegation showdown.
With the bottom two relegated from the National Premier League, second- last NQU is two points behind Redlands with a game in hand.
A win over mid- table Roar would give them a one point buffer before next week’s clash with Redlands in Townsville, which is likely to determine who avoids the drop.
NQU breathed life into its survival quest with a 3- 1 win in Cairns a fortnight ago, before copping a 4- 0 reality check from top- of- thetable Lions FC last week.
NQU captain Corey Waples conceded it was hard not to have one eye on the Redlands clash, but said tonight’s game was a huge chance to grab the upper hand.
“There’s a bit of pressure at this time of year based on where we’re sitting and we need to catch Redlands,” Waples said.
“Next week is massive. It’s a game you looked at a couple of weeks ago and say it’s a 100 per cent must- win.
“I think if we beat Redlands next week that may be enough.
“But if we get a victory against the Roar, it’s a free hit. If we win they have to come to Townsville to go back ahead of us. It would put the pressure on them.”
Waples insisted the Roar would be up for the fight despite being out of top four contention and in no danger of relegation.
“They’re a professional outfit, they’re not going to be a pushover. It will still be a tough game and they’ll want to win it as much as we do,” Waples said.
“They beat us last round, they’re a quality team and they’re in that system for a reason.
“They’ve got a well structured game plan and training and that’s what you’d expect from an A-League youth system.
“We know what to expect but stopping it’s another. We’ve got a system in place we think might work.”
NQU will welcome back defender Matt Miller from a sixweek lay- off with a hamstring injury.
Youngsters Masimango Benjamin and Harry Linning will be rested after playing at this week’s national school titles, but Queensland teammate Kyren Walters may be included on the bench.
Tonight’s clash kicks off at Logan Metro at 7pm.