Moreton Bay United is one of only three clubs currently in the top five of the NPL Under 18, Under 23 and Senior Men’s competitions. The others are Brisbane Roar and Lions.
That statistic alone tells us the size of the challenge we face this weekend in a triple-header, over two days, against Lions at Wolter Park.
Today, 3.45pm Our Under 23s are second, four points ahead of Lions in third, but have a 100 per cent record from five games. Lions have lost two of their seven.
Today, 6pm Jets’ Men, fifth on the ladder, face fourth-placed Lions. Both teams are on 12 points from seven games, but Lions have a better goal difference.
Tomorrow, 3pm Jets Under 18s are third, six points behind leaders Lions, but with two games in hand and have the competition’s leading scorer – Jake Ellenberger.
The 17-year-old striker has 10 goals in four games, including three hat-tricks, but he said of Lions game: “I think this will be our toughest test.
“We have a few games in hand, but Lions are top. It should be a good match. We’re training well, looking sharp and feeling confident.”
Jake came up through Jets’ junior ranks, starting at right back, moving into midfield and last season, when at Sunshine Coast Wanderers, upfront. The return was seven goals.
“Perhaps not the best year (in front of goal),” said Jake, “but it prepared me for this season.”
Coach Dave Harris said: “The squad is working well together and one of the goals, as a group, has been setting a standard and to keep working every week to improve on that. “I’ve been very pleased with their attitude, togetherness and desire to improve and be the best they can be.”
Jets' men are looking to bounce back from the defeat at Sunshine Coast with captain Declan Smith saying: “It helps having a big game. We always step up against the good teams.
“I think it is closer between the sides this year. If we are going to make the top four every home game needs to be three points - make Wolter Park a fortress.
“Last year I think we could have done better against the teams above us. These are the games we need to try to get three points from.”
Ryo Ono is our top scorer with six goals, one more than Lions' leader Jordan farina, on five.
Our Under 23s have already made Wolter Park their fortress with nine points from three games.
They have also beaten Olympic, Peninsula Power and Easts – the three sides which are currently immediately below Lions.
Today’s visitors arrive with the division’s leading goalscorer in Peter Khenis with seven, but Jets’ Will Gullo is right behind on six.