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Thomson easing his way back in to ACE action
ACE may have finished pointless in last weekend’s Premier League matches, but there were positives – such as the return of DT8.
Darren Thomson (DT) came off the bench, wearing 8 as usual, for the final 20 minutes of the ACE Reserves’ 2-0 defeat by Lions at Wolter Park.
The key midfielder, who has not played since the tail-end of last season due to injury, was immediately in the action – and impressed.
“I felt a bit sore afterwards, but not too bad,” said Thomson, “it’s mainly a lack of fitness. It’s very different playing a game to training – the movements, the twisting, turning, tackling. Everything.
“I’ve spoken to Pouria (ACE coach Pouria Nabi) and I may be involved in the cup game this week (at Springfield United). It will depend how the game’s going, then Saturday maybe more time with the reserves.”
ACE travel to Springfield tomorrow

It will be a hard game, but a good game, says Takeru Saito
MIDFIELDER Takeru Saito believes ACE face one of their toughest tests of the season on Saturday against Lions at Wolter Park, kick-off 5.45pm.
The Richlands-based visitors are top of the Flight Centre Premier League as the only team with maximum points from two games.
Lions won 4-2 at Peninsula Power and crushed Capalaba 7-0. ACE had a 1-1 draw at Ipswich and 2-1 victory over Holland Park, leaving them in fourth place
“It will be a very hard game, but a very good game,” said Saito (pictured by Andrew Shaw against Holland Park last weekend), “we need to be ready for Saturday.
“Lions have a lot of good players, they have high intensity and high skill. We have to try to stay concentrated all the time and work hard too.”
Last season ACE felt unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Lions at Wolter Park but drew

But Lions already in sights of coach Pouria Nabi
ACE coach Pouria Nabi admitted to having mixed emotions after last night’s 2-1 victory over Holland Park at Wolter Park.
There was relief and delight at snatching all three points with a last-minute goal from Adam Piddick, pictured celebrating. But the coach was also ready to move on and get Lions in his sights.
“From a coaching perspective, we got a result (tonight) and I’m happy with the three points and the boost it will give the boys’ confidence,” said Pouria
“Holland Park hit eight goals last week against Capalaba and came to this game with high confidence. We gave our boys instructions on how they needed to play and they responded very well.
“But in the second half there was a really, really tough job for us. It is very difficult when the opposition are down on numbers, sit back and focus more on counter

Fans can play key role, says captain Royce Brownlie
CAPTAIN Royce Brownlie believes ACE fans can help the team turn Wolter Park into a “fortress” – starting tomorrow (Friday).
“To be honest if we want to win the league we have to win every game at home,” said the skipper, “that has to be our aim for the year. We want sides to dread coming here. This has to be our fortress.”
Royce Brownlie will lead ACE tomorrow (Friday) in their first Flight Centre Premier League home match of the season, against Holland Park, kick-off 8.30pm.
ACE did the double over Holland Park last season, but tomorrow’s visitors opened 2017 with an 8-0 victory over Capalaba, while ACE drew 1-1 at Ipswich.
And that is where the ACE supporters tomorrow (Friday) – and throughout the season – are so important.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional league in England or here, whether you are young or old, we need everyone singing

“We really want all three points”, says Jamie Vesey
THE figures add up to a possible goal feast when ACE face Holland Park in our first home Flight Centre Premier League match of the season on Friday, kick-off 8.30pm.
Last year ACE won both games (4-1 away, 4-3 home) which saw 12 goals. This year Holland Park opened their season with an 8-0 demolition of Capalaba on Sunday.
But the most sought-after figure for ACE at Wolter Park on Friday night will be three – three points, says midfielder Jamie Vesey.
“We really want all three,” said Vesey, pictured, “last season we did well against Holland Park winning both games. We want the same again.”
It follows a 1-1 draw in ACE’s opening fixture at Ipswich Knights on Saturday. Last season it was 3-3, again in round one.
Chom Arop’s second-half equaliser clinched the point, but many felt ACE’s dominance deserved more.
“Ipswich went down to 10 men early and we were pressing and

THE predictions are in – and looking good as ACE prepares to launch their 2017 Flight Centre Premier League campaign on Saturday.
Coach Pouria Nabi and his team travel to much-changed Ipswich Knights, kick-off 7pm, looking for a winning start.
That is the prediction on Football Brisbane’s Round One preview for the Premier League. The writer tipped a 2-1 win and ACE finishing in the top four.
“I am excited and cannot wait to get in to the season,” said Pouria, “I’m up for it. I think 2017 will be really exciting and entertaining for ACE.
“I am generally happy, we have had a few injuries, but the boys are ready to go after eight or nine weeks pre-season preparation.
“Our aim is to continue the style we had in the second half of last season, after we made those changes.
“But I think this season we will be more attacking, more attractive to watch. I

Please be advised that due to the extreme weather conditions we are expecting all Junior ACE games that were scheduled to play this weekend have been cancelled.
Some Senior games have been rescheduled. Please check with your team Manager if you have any queries.
http://www.footballbrisbane.com.au/single-post/2017/02/09/Impact-of-Extreme-Weather-on-Upcoming-Weekend-Matches
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Special offers for ACE junior this weekend
ACE coach Pouria Nabi has two special offers for the club’s junior players, as the seniors start a two-week, two-match countdown to the 2017 Premier League campaign.
Following the Silver Boot Cup Group stages, ACE are back at Wolter Park on Saturday with a double header against Wolves – Reserves kick-off at 5pm and Seniors at 7pm.
A week on Saturday (February 11), Kawana, from the Sunshine Coast Premier League are the visitors – Reserves kick-off at 4pm and Seniors at 6pm.
Coach Pouria is urging ACE junior members to come and support the “ACE boys” this weekend.
“If they wear ACE shirts and come and support us, then they will get a free sausage sizzle,” said Pouria “and in return senior boys will be at their training regularly this season.”
ACE start their Flight Centre Premier League campaign at Ipswich Knights on Saturday February 18, kick-off 7pm. Their first

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