Focus on victory

ACE may be three points clear at the top of the Premier League, but goalkeeper Matthew Lugo believes “it’s time to put an end to the draws”.

 

Four draws in the last five games have put ACE in pole position for their first Premier League title, but also given other clubs hope.

 

ACE take on bottom-club Mt Gravatt at Wolter Park on Saturday at 6pm, knowing victory is vital with Grange just three points behind.

 

Seven points from their last three games would guarantee ACE the Premier League crown,

 

If the ACE Reserves win on Saturday afternoon, victory or a draw by the seniors would also secure the Football Brisbane Club Championship.

 

“We’re getting sick of these draws,” said Lugo, “they feel like a loss. We all want to get wins and are working really hard to do this.

 

“I think we just need to focus all game and not have momentary lapses.

 

“I don’t feel any extra pressure with low scoring games. I trust the boys and hope they trust me.

 

“Because of where we are and position we’re in, I get more excited to play because I want to win the league. That’s a big aspiration of mine.”

 

The 22-year-old, who followed head coach Steve Glockner from Easts in the summer, is part of the best defence in the Premier League.

 

ACE have conceded just 18 goals in 19 games – the same as second-placed Grange. It would have been one better but for Taringa’s late equaliser last week.

 

“I thought that was my best performance in terms of the decisions I made,” said Lugo, who was ACE’s Coffee Club Player of the Match.

 

“I didn’t feel like I was going to get beaten, unfortunately I did, but this is the most consistent I’ve been, so it’s good from that point of view.

 

“At times I’ve not had a lot to do and that’s a credit to our defence because we have been playing well together.”

 

Is Matthew Lugo confident approaching Saturday’s crucial game? “Yes,” he replied.