Coast League’s Robina City confident floodgates have opened after FFA Cup win

FOOTBALL Gold Coast’s Coast League One competition kicks off tonight and a sleeping giant believes 2019 could be their year.

ROBINA City’s newlook Coast League One squad believe the floodgates may have opened after breaking one of the longest victory droughts in Football Gold Coast history.

Without a competitive win since midway through the 2016 Coast League, City ended their dry spell with a 6-3 FFA Cup win over Logan Roos earlier this month.

New coach Nathan Mulhearn has set about transforming the squad over the off-season, bringing in captain Justin Barwick, Grant Wernerson, Aaron Bull, Jarryd Georgiou and Tom Beverly, as well as Deni Skopljack and Mitch Calley.

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It is a change Barwick is confident will deliver success when the side kicks off its Coast League campaign at home to Pacific Pines at 4pm on Saturday.

“I think the team is looking strong, we have depth in every position and a lot of experienced players,” he said.

Robina City captain Justin Barwick. Picture: John Gass

“We are shaping up nicely coming into the season. With the squad we have built expectations are high, we are not here to make up the numbers and I think the players we have would be disappointed if that’s not the case.

“In saying that, there are a few tough teams to play. But I’m confident we can overcome them.”

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In tonight’s Round 1 fixtures, Coast League newcomers Bond University host 2018 grand final winners Musgrave at 8.30pm, with Runaway Bay to travel to Coomera at the same time.

Having stepped down from the Premier League, Murwillumbah will face defending premiers Broadbeach United at Jim Devine Field at 6pm on Saturday.

In the round’s last fixture, Southport play away to Kingscliff at 7pm on Saturday.