Strikers, GCC Set For Silver Boot Semis
Words: Staff Writers
Brisbane Strikers and Gold Coast City are looking to step up their pre-season preparations on Thursday night in the BLK Silver Boot Semi Finals.
Both clubs advanced to the Semi-Final stage of the annual pre-season tournament after advancing through the group stage undefeated over the past three weeks.
Strikers will face newly promoted Brisbane Premier League club Holland Park Hawks, while City line-up against tournament hosts and defending Brisbane Premier League Premiers Lions FC.
The winners will meet in the Final of the competition on Sunday, while the defeated Semi-Finalists will seek solace in the Third Place Play-off curtain-raiser.
Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said the match against Hawks - who have won all three games against PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues opposition this pre-season - will be a welcome test ahead of the season proper.
“I’m first and foremost delighted to get to the Semi-Final because we know that gives us two solid opponents - knowing that we’re either going to play Lions FC or Gold Coast City in that final pre-season game,” A’herne-Evans said.
“Holland Park is an added bonus really because they are a lot different to a lot of teams that we would play in our league.”
“I’m delighted to be in the Semi-Final and, just like every other team, we’ll be aiming to win the tournament,” he concluded.
City coach Grae Piddick said his side will also be aiming for a result as the next stage in their pre-season.
“Part of pre-season is going out there to win a game, so it’s about building form and fitness but part of that is about getting that winning mentality,” Piddick explained.
“It’s about doing whatever it takes to win a game and then having that ready to bring into round one.”
Piddick said, like Strikers, he will not be underestimating his opponents.
“If you look at Lions squad they are as good as the best NPL teams. They are essentially one of the best teams in the state regardless of what competition they play in and it’s going to be a really good test,” he concluded.
BLK Silver Boot 2016 – Semi Finals
Thursday, February 11
Lions Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane Strikers FC v Holland Park Hawks FC
Kick-off at 6:30PM
Lions FC v Gold Coast City FC
Kick-off at 8:30PM
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