BURLEIGH’S BIG BLOW AHEAD OF ‘PHINS TEST
BURLEIGH Heads are likely to again be without influential trio Matt Noble, Wade Russell and David Mutch when they face fellow Premier League heavyweights Broadbeach United tonight.
Title challengers last season, the Bulldogs kicked off the new campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 defeat of Palm Beach last weekend despite the absence of injured stars.
While midfield pair Russell and Noble are next to no chance of facing Broadbeach at Pizzey Park at 8.30pm tonight, coach Colin Phelan said frontman Mutch could yet play a role.
His input would be a bonus for a Bulldogs side that beat Nerang on penalties in the FFA Cup a week prior to their season-opening win over the Sharks, which included two goals from striker Matt Hilton.
“Going into this game (against Broadbeach) we’ve had two decent results but we know it will be very tough,” said Phelan, whose looming rivals were held to a surprise 2-2 draw at home to Tweed United in Round 1.
“Historically these games are always battles but I’d rather be in our position after the win last week. Every year they are there or thereabouts (and) I don’t think this year will be any different.”
Dolphins coach Lee Vernon said there were promising signs last week despite giving up a 2-0 halftime lead.
“The pressure is on the lads now,” he said.