https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/magpies-crusaders-lock-in-impressive-ffa-cup-victo/3733553/ SOCCER: IT'S a timeless sporting adage - winning becomes a habit. After a resounding 5-1 FFA Cup victory, it's a cliche Magpies Crusaders United are hoping turns their NPL fortunes around. New captain Nelson Burgess registered his first win at the helm of the team against Mackay Magpies; the school teacher by day taking his mentoring role off the field onto it. In his first season with the club, the defender will lead a young cohort of footballers and will be joined in the leadership group by rising star Ben Coombes. Magpies sporting club general manager Darren Smith said he was confident Burgess would fill the captaincy void left by Michael Lyall with aplomb. "Nelson's only young himself. He's a school teacher and I think he's got a natural ability to lead and a little bit of authority,” Smith said. "He's been tremendous, and from the conversations over the last couple of weeks in and around the squad he's been really good. The young boys have really appreciated his advice and support so I'm sure he'll take to it like a duck to water.” Exciting midfielder Coombes is only 18 years old, but the promise he has shown already was enough to convince the club of his elevation in the team.
Smith said anyone who had coached or played with the talented athlete spoke really highly of him. "It's interesting; he won all our under 20's awards last year as well and everyone that has ever had anything to do with Ben Coombes speaks so highly of him,” he said. "I think he's a natural leader. He's quiet, but I think he'll most certainly have a pretty important role to play in the next few years with the club.” The likes of Kyren Walters and Mitch Hermann impressed on Monday night, both showcasing deft footwork and speed to send Magpies Crusaders into half-time with a 2-1 advantage. While some brilliant reflex saves from Magpies kept the Mackay Premier League side in the contest, the exuberance and pace of their NPL-calibre opponents proved the difference in the end. The win ensures Magpies Crusaders advance to round 8 of the FFA Cup. Two new players are also expected to enter the fold over the coming fixtures, with recruits from France and the Sunshine Coast expected to slot into the team soon. While Smith was unable to touch on who exactly will be donning the black jersey, he said he was excited to see what they will bring to the table. He said they still had a "couple of irons in the fire” to bolster the depth and strength of the side. In spite of the ongoing search for new talent, Smith said the young side had begun to grow in confidence and rediscover "the winning feeling”. "Confidence is a massive thing in sport. For us ... you don't lose your ability over night,” he said. "I saw enough of the confidence, with the boys running forward in attacking play. Sometimes in the NPL level they're afraid to make a mistake and they capitalise really quickly at that level. "(On Monday night) I saw a change of that confidence.” Magpies Crusaders will take on Olympic FC todayin round 17 of the NPL.
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November 2019
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