Ipswich team receives timely boost for shot at powerhouse rivals

Western Pride can take risks with plenty of fresh confidence when they tackle Brisbane City in Saturday night’s sudden death Football Queensland Premier League 1 semi-final.

Western Pride can take risks with plenty of fresh confidence when they tackle Brisbane City in Saturday night’s sudden death Football Queensland Premier League 1 semi-final.

A week after a youth-laden side only lost 2-0 to the unbeaten competition leaders, Pride have bolstered their experienced stocks for the 6.30pm showdown at Newmarket.

Head coach Brian Hastings was proud of how players, including man of the match Asobasi Wilberforce, Daniel Kovacevic and Greer Schreiber, stepped up against City last weekend with a host of Pride senior footballers out.

They fulfilled vital roles with Wil Asante, Kelton Scriggins and captain Killian Flavin serving suspensions.

Pride were also without playmaker Mikhail Hastings, his skilful brother Alex, utility Aidan Norris and goalkeeper Josh Boyle for the final match of the regular season.

Defender Mark Ingerson took over the captaincy and guided the young guns through a testing encounter where they held their heads high.

“We made them think. That’s all you can ask,’’ Hastings said of last week’s performance against a side that won its 20th game in a row.

“We played a very, very good team.’’

Western Pride defender Mark Ingerson led his young side superbly. Picture: Christina Moran

But with his sons Mikhail and Alex returning - along with the team skipper Flavin, Asante, Boyle and invaluable Norris - the Pride coach was upbeat about having another shot at the undefeated FQPL1 champions.

“Our main spine is back,’’ Hastings said.

He has learnt from the latest 2-0 and earlier 2-1 loss to City.

“They don’t change what they do. What they do, they do very, very well,’’ Hastings said.

“There’s not much variation in what they do but they are very efficient at it.’’

Hastings said his revitalised team would have a much better chance of overcoming City’s style of play after what the young guns achieved.

“If we lose it’s either going to be 1-0 or we’ll lose 5-0,’’ he said. “We’re not going out there to just make up the numbers and play for a draw.

“We’re going out there to win.

“We’ll take a fair bit of risk. If we happen to go a couple of goals up by some miracle, then we’ll adjust accordingly.’’

Western Pride playmaker Mikhail Hastings. Picture: David Lems

The return of Mikhail and Alex Hastings provides an X-factor City will have to deal with.

Midfielder Mikhail has extensive overseas experience, providing added stability in the midfield.

Centre back Alex is enjoying being back on the field after two years out with knee surgery.

“It’s been quite difficult for him, physically and mentally,’’ his dad said of Alex having such a long time out.

However, he has made an impression lining up for Pride in recent games.

Western Pride footballer Isaac Davey has a crucial role upfront. Picture: Christina Moran

Among other players with crucial roles on Saturday night are strikers Byron McLeod and Isaac Davey, along with defenders Ingerson and Rhys Webster.

The committed quartet have all played 20 FQPL1 matches for Pride this season.

Captain Flavin has only missed one, as has Asante who must link with McLeod and Davey to score goals if Pride are any chance of upsetting Brisbane City.

“They have been brilliant,’’ Hastings said of his most dependable players.

Rochedale Rovers and SWQ Thunder clash in the other semi-final at Underwood Park (5pm) on Saturday.

The Western Pride women have a Football Queensland Premier League 1 bye this weekend before resuming their quest to regain a spot in next year’s National Premier Leagues competition.

Pride’s next game is an October 9 showdown with Olympic at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex.