Six weeks ago, Brisbane Roar threw away a two-goal lead as Melbourne Heart scored five goals in 18 minutes to record an emphatic victory in week eight of the National Youth League.
Six weeks ago, Brisbane Roar threw away a two-goal lead as Melbourne Heart scored five goals in 18 minutes to record an emphatic victory in week eight of the National Youth League.
With the two sides set to do battle again this weekend, Roar utility player Kenneth Dougall is adamant his side is ready to make amends.
“We-re ready for it and we know it-s going to be another test,” he said.
“That game does give us a little bit of extra motivation to take the win because the last result is always in the back of your mind.”
But Brisbane will have to attempt to keep the Heart-s attacking prowess under wraps without their ever-reliable centre-back Jason Geria.
Geria received a straight red card in last weekend-s 3-0 loss to Sydney FC and will now serve an automatic one match suspension.
With Dougall playing in a multitude of positions under Head Coach John Sime so far this season, the 18-year-old admitted he was a good chance to take Geria-s position alongside fellow defender James Donachie.
“We-ll miss Jason but with the players we-ve got in the squad, we-ll be able to cope without,” Dougall said.
“My preferred role is in midfield but I-ve played a few games at the back this season and I-ve felt alright there.
“I don-t really mind, I just like playing.”
With the Roar and Melbourne both locked on 18 points, in fourth and fifth positions respectively, Dougall knows the significance of picking up points on the road.
There are just six fixtures remaining in this year-s National Youth League campaign although Brisbane have a game in hand over their opposition this weekend.
However, he maintains that the focus for him and his teammates remains solely on performances.
“Everyone wants to win, that-s what football is all about,” Dougall said.
“If our performances are right, the results will come so that-s what we look for.”
