Spirit smells a win

Doug Gillett | 2nd July 2010

BUNDABERG Spirit will fight to repay the loyalty of long-suffering fans with a home ground defeat of North Queensland Razorbacks tomorrow.

Shane Youngberry of The Spirit in action during a recent match at Marten’s Oval.
Mike Knott

BUNDABERG Spirit will fight to repay the loyalty of long-suffering fans with a home ground defeat of North Queensland Razorbacks tomorrow.

If coach Richard Mitchell manages to guide his troops to a victory over the northern powerhouse, it will be the first time home ground supporters will have seen their team triumph in more than two years.

“The guys in the stands have been very supportive and loyal to us and hopefully we can get a result for them this weekend,” he said.

The team is on the cusp of better things after posting draws against competition leaders Sunshine Coast Fire and Whitsunday Miners in the past two fixtures.

“We want the win,” Mitchell said. We’ve knocked on the door the last few weeks and now we need to walk on through.”

Mitchell said it would take the full force of his attacking strikers and midfielders to break down the notoriously watertight defence of North Queensland.

“They’re an overall, good quality side and the guys are going to bring their best game,” he said.

Striker Aaron Bakker, centre-fielder Tom Kimber and fullback Matt Mills will be noticeable omissions from the Spirit line-up, but Mitchell is confident his team can find form.

“I’m pleased with the way the guys have been training and I know they’re up for it,” he said.

Sydney FC recruit Ray Miller has recovered from a niggling injury and is expected to bring some speed and class to the midfield.

“He’s got pace and an awful lot of pull,” Mitchell said.

The match will be crucial if the Spirit is to climb its way off the bottom rung of the QSL ladder which it has occupied for the past two years.

“Our goal is to get off the bottom of the ladder before the season is out,” Mitchell said.


http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2010/07/02/spirit-smells-a-win-north-queensland-razorbacks/