Broadbeach Hit by Injury Concerns

Broadbeach coach Lee Vernon has conceded favouritism to Gold Coast Premier League Soccer grand final opponents Southport after his side suffered several key injuries during yesterday's 1-0 semi-final defeat at the hands of Merrimac.

Midfielder Scott Cook slotted the solitary goal for Merrimac in the 70th minute after a period of sustained pressure.

Having a three-goal buffer heading into last night's semi-final, Broadbeach's 1-0 loss was not enough to deny them a grand final berth — but injuries to key attacking midfielders Daniel Fung and Tom Bowland have left Vernon's side reeling ahead of Saturday's clash with Southport.

“It was a tough, grinding game,” Vernon said. “Our game plan was thrown out of whack when Daniel Fung went down in the warm up, then when we lost Tom Bowland during the first half our plan to counter-attack Merrimac's all-out attack was greatly nullified.”

Vernon's underdog claim is not unwarranted given the previous two encounters between Broadbeach and Southport.

But the Dolphins coach was adamant his side would give everything they had, saying the prospect of three grand finals in a row was great motivation for his beleaguered side.

“Southport has beaten us twice this season — 3-1 and 6-2 — so I am not really exaggerating when I say they should start favourites for Saturday,” Vernon said.

“We have played three games in six days which is not ideal but having said that, this is a grand final and we will rise to the occasion.

“It is what is motivating us, winning three in a row will put the boys up there with the great Southport team of the '90s.

“We will give it everything we've got.”

Daniel Fraser, Gold Coast Bulletin
5 September 2011

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