THERE’S a feeling of just rewards heading into the Strikers’ State League Three grand-final against the UC Pumas tomorrow.
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They’ve arguably been the competition’s fiercest team this season, that’s despite finishing second on the ladder.
They boast the second highest goals for in the competition and also the division’s leading goal scorer in Brody Willis.
Now they hope their dominant season culminates in victory when they take on the UC Pumas at the Hawker Football Centre tomorrow afternoon. It’s set to be an interesting match.
The Pumas are the only team the Strikers were unable to beat all season, with a 1-all draw and a 2-nil loss in previous clashes.
But it was the Strikers who burst into the final with a 4-0 victory over minor premiers the Cooma Tigers.
For the Pumas, it was a penalty shoot-out upset, also against Cooma, which put them into the decider to the surprise of many.
Both sides have contrasting styles.
The Strikers have been renowned for sleek skills and touches this season with a counter-attacking mind-set.
The Pumas are an expansive, running team who depend on their fitness to run out games.
But like in all finals, anything goes in a winner takes all match.
That’s why the Strikers are wary.
“They’re full of young, fit, fast guys. But as far as man for man and skills go, we’d definitely have it over them on paper. It’s just a matter of turning it into a result,” captain David Albrighton tells the Post.
He says the smaller synthetic field at Hawker may work in the Strikers favour. He believes their intricate touches will be beneficial on the smaller field to work the ball in and out of the Puma defence.
“UC are very much a conglomerate of players,” veteran Adam Mills adds.
“There is not too many stand out players and often they are the harder teams to beat.
“They play quite a stretched formation so I think we’ll look to pressure their centre half and get him to play long. Hopefully we should have the height at the back to deal with those long balls.”
Watching on from the stands will be pacey jack-of-all-trades Nathanial Ryan.
The utility received two yellow cards the Strikers game against Cooma, ruling him out of tomorrow’s decider.
With Albrighton set to power through his injured hamstring, it looks like Ryan will be the only season stalwart to miss the game.
“We thought his second yellow was a case of mistaken identity but the official assured us it wasn’t the case,” coach Robin Caulfield said.
“He should be proud that he helped us get to where we are.”
At the end of the day the resounding feeling is pride at the club.
It’s the first time the Strikers have made a grand-final in five years.
After the side was knocked out in the semi-finals in last year’s finals race, let’s hope redemption is on the cards.
Kick-off at the Hawker Football Centre is at 1.30pm.
Player Profiles
David Albrighton – Captain and defender An injury plagued season has seen this stalwart watch a few games from the sideline. A valued member of the team due to his ability to marshall his troops around the field, particularly in defence. May not play a full match on Saturday but if his hamstring holds out will be integral to the team’s structure and shape.
Simon Hunt – Goalkeeper A strong keeper who commands his penalty area. Simon sat out half of the season with a back injury but proved his worth in the major semi final against Cooma pulling off some great saves. A strong performance from Simon in goal will go a long way to grand final honours.
Josh Phelps – Defence / midfield A solid all-rounder. Can play any position on the field to great effect. His speed and strength will be vital in defence in the big game. A great shot from distance if he can get within range of the oppositions’ goal.
Dylan Maddock – Defence / midfield Youth, talent and tenacity. This fit young player gives 100% every time he plays. Strong in the air and quick on the ground. A solid defender but will push forward when possible.
Kirby Murdoch – Defence A great young talent. Can read the game and will turn opposition players inside out with his skill. Strong on the ball and a hard worker off it.
Daniel McLaughlin - Defence Speed to burn. A new addition in 2014. Fit enough to get forward and back and will shut down any attack and hit on the counter.
Luke Hartin – Defence Speed and talent. Never shy to take the opposition on and accurate with both short and long balls. One of the fittest in the team and will draw on this against the youth of UC. If he spots an opportunity he is deadly with a long through ball to the strikers.
Robert Dorsett – Midfield Strength and skill. A player that never gives up and is a huge part of the teams success in 2014. Loves the hard stuff and is always up for the big game atmosphere.
Jim Pugh – Midfield As tenacious as they come. Will work hard for 90 minutes and not scared to scrap with the opposition or exchange strong challenges, of which he never loses. A strong performance from Jim will be the backbone of the midfield shutting down UC’s counter attacking raids.
Musare Gasirimu – Midfield The engine centre. This guy is like the energiser bunny for the full 90 minutes. Single handedly stifled Cooma’s best attacking weapon in the semi final and will be looked to this weekend to do much of the same. If you get past him once you better be prepared for him to get bite at your ankles for the rest of the match, it wont happen twice.
Ben Hartin – Midfield / Attack Heart as big as Phar Lap. Can be used in a number of positions and will always give 100% A hamstring injury from the semi final might hamper him slightly this week but his skill and ability are undeniable. If he cuts in from the wing UC’s keeper better be on his toes to stop the thunderbolt.
Sam Taylor – Midfield / Attack Skill, pace and strike power. Deceivingly strong on the ball. His youthful speed and ability are virtually unmatched in the league. An early season back injury has passed and this crafty player is one to watch to break the opposition’s spirit and burst the back of the net.
Brody Willis – Attack The leagues top goal scorer and arguably the leagues most talented player. Can score from anywhere inside the oppositions half with his thunderous left boot. A genuine game changer. You had better not give this guy a free kick around the penalty area or be prepared to be picking the ball out of the back of your net.
Adam Mills – Attack Strength and skill. Another Strikers Stalwart who has seen the team’s highs and lows A tricky customer, can turn opposition players around and not afraid to fire at goal. Has hit a few goals already this season, give him half a chance and he will punish you.
Stephen Schofield – Substitute Goalkeeper Youth and energy. Will be at the ready to take over from Simon if need be. One of the leagues youngest players at age 15, willing and eager to learn and relishes as much game time as possible.
James Fry – Defender / Midfield Skill and flair. Will be ready to come off the bench in an instant. Has the ability to make defenders look silly and will no doubt get his chance in the big game.
Nathaniel Ryan – Midfield / Attack Skill, pace and shooting ability. Will run all day. Unfortunately will miss out on the big game due to suspension. Will be missed in attack and work rate but will be there to support the guys.