Six games into pre-season and already it has become evident (if it wasn’t already) that A-League new boys NQ Fury will largely be relying on Robbie Fowler for the upcoming A-League season.
In their six friendlies, the Fury have scored four goals, all of which coming in a match against QSL side Capricorn Cougars.
Last night was yet another indication of Ian Ferguson’s side’s inability to score against A-League opposition, with the only shining light coming in the form of youngster Fred Agius.
After a close defeat to the Gold Coast five days earlier the side suffered their latest defeat, losing 4-0 to a rejuvenated Sydney side.
Starting the match with arguably their strongest side to date, it took only seven minutes for Steve Corica to breach the Fury’s defence with a deflected shot after failing to clear a Sydney corner.
Despite holding on for the rest of the half, Sydney’s second goal came only one-minute after the half-time interval, through youngster Brendan Gan. It went from bad to worse when Fred Agius sent a poor back-pass that was rounded off by Kofi Danning, to give Vitezslav Lavicka’s side a 3-0 score-line.
Capping off a fine display by Sydney was Terry McFlynn scoring in the 87th minute to finish the game virtually the same way it started.
It was Sydney FC’s eighth-straight match without conceding a goal, giving the side an important psychological advantage, ahead of the Round 1 clash between the two sides. Despite the convincing win, Sydney Coach Vitezslav Lavicka is failing to get carried away.
“We are still in pre-season. I have good feeling from this game but no celebrating. Pre-season is still going,” he said after the game. “We still need to improve. We have many turnovers [in the first half]. We need many things to improve.
“But I am satisfied; satisfied with team unity … the players are working hard every session. I’m satisfied but keep humble.”
Of course, star signing Robbie Fowler has been out on the sidelines for each and every match so far, through niggling injuries and alike, but has too much pressure already been place on the former England international?
There is no doubting his quality, though questions marks still remain over his fitness as well as doubts over the ability of the squad around him.
The Fury’s next opponent will be Adelaide United in Darwin on the 2nd of July, a match which Fowler is yet again expected to be missing from.
Thankfully though, the Liverpool legend is expected to be fit for the international friendly against Wolverhampton Wanderers, we’re going to need him that’s for sure.
JT
Guest
Have to agree Horza, Felipe is a massive loss, rumour going round is that he's to be replaced by a big name midfielder in the coming week(s) though, so that's a good sign. A few believe it to be Barry Ferguson because of Ian Ferguson's Scottish links, but can't see that happening as he's got a year left on his contract with Rangers and Birmingham are believed to be interested. And I don't if it's the intensity of the training sessions thats the problem, just the lack of them so far.
md
Guest
The Fury won't need to be a great team to be effective - just a fit one that is used to tropical conditions in summer. If they can manage to be really hard to beat at home in the heat and oppressive humidity, they won't disgrace themselves, and might pinch a few games in the last quarter. Cheers md
Towser
Guest
Fury in my book by focusing on the Robbie Fowler impact(hopefully) have shown some naivety in getting other players. First I remember Jade North & I'm sure there was Scott Chipperfield in there somewhere & a couple of others. Now missed the boat on Felipe. Just hope they learn quickly how to operate in the world of International football. I dont want to see another NZ Knights in the A-League. THe FFA can make sure all the boxes are ticked regarding financial stability ,but have little control over recruiting of players & coaches. Coming from CCM Ferguson should be fully aware of the shortcomings of a playing roster,given CCM's poor show in the ACL. Clubs are after all in the A-League to win it & that means an ACL spot. Recruiting should bear this in mind.
Horza
Guest
D'oh. Context, Horza, context. I think you guys were hard done by Felipe's defection, he had the potential to provide the outlet you need for Fowler and the clubs efforts are undoubtably focused on getting another AM asap. However the worrying thing about the other night wasn't so much that your first team has a lot of rejects but that they were playing really incoherently for most of the match. It's understandable given location and finance that recruiting might sub-standard but that's where coaching and training has to step in and get the best out of a mediocre lot. If Ferguson can't achieve that even FNQs legendary parochialism might not be enough to keep the crowds coming.
JT
Guest
Hi Horza, That's meant to read NQ Fury's strongest side to date, obviously wasn't Sydney's.
Horza
Guest
Got to quibble with this bit: "Starting the match with arguably their strongest side to date, it took only seven minutes for Steve Corica to breach the Fury’s defence with a deflected shot after failing to clear a Sydney corner." No way was that our strongest side to date. Four of our best players this pre-season - Brosque, McFlynn, Colosimo and Kisel didn't start and the latter two weren't even on the bench. Musialik-Grant in midfield and Prentiice-Jurman in central defense were totally new combinations. Sadly what was basically a Sydney reserve team shat all over a substantial part of NQ's first team.
MVDave
Guest
Everything will be ok for the Fury as long as...Fowler clears the ball from inside his own penalty box, runs through to control the clearance in midfield, plays a lovely pass out wide then runs to receive that pass, whips an early ball into the box and runs in to complete a diving header and score for the Fury!! Geeez l hope Robbie's fit :) No pressure though!