ACE women only have to look back one month for the blueprint to take into tomorrow’s Capital League 1 semi-final at Ipswich Knights (5pm).
It was just four weeks ago ACE pushed Premier League champions Broadbeach, unbeaten this season, all the way in a thrilling Elaine Watson Cup semi-final.
“We’ve just got to have that same approach and same attitude on Sunday as we had against Broadbeach,” said ACE coach Jamie Sanckson.
“Give it 100 per cent for the full 90 minutes, or 95 minutes or whatever it takes.
“The girls are up for it. If anything, we owe Ipswich one. In the last game I thought we were the better side.”
Ipswich are the only side to beat ACE twice this season – 3-1 at Wolter Park when Lex Ball scored (see main picture) and 2-1 at Eric Evans Oval in Capital League 1.
That was four days after the draining Broadbeach cup tie. ACE also had one player sinbinned and coach sent from the dugout that day – a decision reversed on appeal.
However, Jamie also believes his side plays better when the stakes are higher.
“The girls may get nervous, but I think they play better when under a bit of pressure,” he said.
“Like against (premiers) Taringa in the second half at Wolter Park when they were 2-0 down.”
ACE fought back to draw 2-2, adding that to a 1-1 draw at Jack Speare Park, which were the only Capital League 1 points Taringa dropped all year.
Now, reaching the grand final would cap probably the most successful season in ACE’s history for our top women’s side.
“If we get through and the men’s teams get through, what an achievement that would be for this club,” said Jamie.
Taringa are at home to Pine Hills in the first semi-final being played tonight at 5.30pm.
