Captain Ryan Shaughnessy, pictured last season, says ACE just need to focus on their ‘own game’ in tomorrow night’s Premier League derby clash with Caboolture.
It follows Saturday’s dramatic 3-3 draw with St George Willawong at Wolter Park – a result which raised some eyebrows.
One point gained or two points dropped? “At home … always two points dropped, in my opinion,” said Ryan.
“Now we just concentrate on playing our own game. Don’t worry about other sides, just our own game and getting back to winning ways.”
Caboolture arrive at Wolter Park tomorrow (8.30pm) with former UQ coach Duncan Tranent having replaced Nathan Walker, who is at Narangba with part of his squad from last year.
Ryan admitted he did not know much about Caboolture, who started their season with a 1-1 draw at North Star.
“It’s likely to be another tough game,” he said, “like St George. I wasn’t surprised by them. I’d heard they had a good side. They worked really hard and closed us down.
“But I thought we showed a lot of character, the way we kept going, we kept working and we got that reward with a late goal.”
After taking an early lead, it needed a late equaliser from Matthew Sanchez to secure a point for the 2018 and 2019 Premiership winners.
It meant all three ACE forwards scored in the season opener – Ally Russell in the first half, Ryan after the break and Sanchez at the end.
“It was a positive,” said Ryan, “I think Sanchez had one shot one goal. I had one shot one goal. Ally maybe the same, which was good as he was in a deeper role.
“That’s the forwards’ job. We all contributed and it’s how we are judged.”
ACE also had nine of their summer signings, in the 16-man squad against St George. “We had players missing, but that gave others an opportunity and they need time to get used to playing together,” said Ryan,
ACE Reserves take on Caboolture Reserves at Wolter Park at 6.30pm tomorrow before the Seniors at 8.30pm.
