TWO more sleeps. That’s all we have to wait before ACE restart their 2020 season with warm-up matches at Wolter Park on Saturday.
The Reserves (kick-off 5pm) and Senior Men (kick-off 7.20pm) will line-up against AC Carina, 126 days after their last outings, also at Wolter Park, against St George on March 7.
COVID-19 then stopped the Brisbane Premier League in its tracks and despite being in Stage 3 of the return, some restrictions will still be in place on Saturday.
But ACE coach Steve Glockner said the players, pictured with assistant Alex McMillan on Tuesday, are just delighted to be back. “The situation’s still a little odd, there are some restrictions, but at least we can train properly now,” he said.
“The boys love being back. They have been really patient as training has been difficult and maybe frustrating. It’s been quite basic, always the same thing and lots of running.
“But they have been very positive. They understand the situation and haven’t let it get them down.”
Now all eyes are on the two-week countdown to the Premier League starting on July 24. While we wait for fixtures to be confirmed, ACE have arranged a second warm-up game at Robina on Saturday week.
“The players need match time in their legs,” said Steve, “we do have unlimited interchanges, that’s one of the rules, so that will play a part as no-one is going to be match fit.
“But we still have to get a number of the guys playing 90 minutes. Game time is hugely important. I don’t know how ready anyone will be going into the first game. It will be tough.”
The ACE squad will have only one change from the St George match with Matt Zappone being unable to rejoin due to work commitments.
