Robbie Smith revelling at Surfers Paradise as Apollo prepare for FFA Cup clash with Brisbane Knights

A FIT and firing Robbie Smith is revelling in his new surroundings at Lex Bell Oval as Surfers Paradise Apollo look to replicate the success of their remarkable 2016 FFA Cup run.

A FIT and firing Robbie Smith is revelling in his new surroundings at Lex Bell Oval as Surfers Paradise Apollo look to replicate the success of their remarkable 2016 FFA Cup run.

Having joined Surfers this season following successful spells at Magic United and Gold Coast Knights, Smith has slipped seamlessly into life under coach Alex Morrison.

The 34-year-old defender’s minutes were limited with the star-studded Knights last season, but he has already proved he is far from a spent force after helping Apollo to two Premier League wins in as many games.

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He will again be a key figure in Sunday’s Round 3 FFA Cup encounter at home to Brisbane Knights, with the Englishman hopeful victory will be part of a repeat of the Round of 32 run Surfers enjoyed three years ago.

“We just want to make sure we keep winning games. As soon as you get into that habit of winning you keep driving on with it,” Smith said.

Surfers Paradise Apollo’s Robbie Smith.

“(The cup) is still an important competition, I know obviously the club have had success with it in the past. For players like myself and Teddy (Watson) who were at the Knights last year (and made the Round of 32), it was really good to play a few of those NPL teams, win a few games and obviously get to the last 32.

“There was a lot of excitement in that. If we do progress, we’ll see who we get in the draws and how far we can go.”

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A member of the Magic side that won the 2015 Premier League double, Smith said his experience at Surfers had been nothing but positive.

“We had a very good side at the Knights last year so I didn’t expect to be playing every game. But I’m a competitive person so when I did get into training and into the season I wanted to play as much as possible,” he said.

“So it was a little bit disappointing not to play a bit more last year. I think Alex is managing me a lot better this year.

“I’ve been playing most of the games so far and he’s managed my body through pre-season so I’ve not played every minute of every game in pre-season. I think that’s been really good for me to bed into it.

“I’ve started to get a lot fitter and am getting through 90 minute games and not getting too sore afterwards, so that’s a bonus. The bunch of lads that we’ve got down at Surfers is very sociable and the club has been fantastic as well.

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“They’re trying to create a really good atmosphere around the club for all the players so I’ve enjoyed it so far. With the enjoyment and the fact the boys want to do well for each other, we’ve started to win a few games.

“It goes hand-in-hand with winning.”

WEEKEND FFA CUP FIXTURES:

■ Friday 7.30pm – Coomera away to Acacia Ridge

■ Saturday 5pm – Southport home to The Lakes

■ Saturday 6pm – Bilambil home to Springfield United

■ Saturday 6pm - Palm Beach away to Caloundra

■ Saturday 7pm - Robina City away to Centenary Stormers

■ Sunday 3pm – Surfers Paradise Apollo home to Brisbane Knights

■ Sunday 4pm - Mudgeeraba away to Caboolture

■ Sunday 5pm - Burleigh Heads away to Toowong