In-form Knights braced for Spirited derby | Ipswich Soccer | Football in Ipswich

IPSWICH Knights coach Billy Livingstone isn't expecting any favours from Western Spirit when both teams “fight for local pride” at Kippen Park tonight.

Division 1 side Ipswich take on Division 2 heavyweights Spirit in a third round clash in the knockout Premier Cup competition.

Both teams are near the top of their respective divisions, setting up an intriguing duel at Goodna.

“Spirit have some bloody good footballers down there,” Livingstone said. “They look like a pretty good side to me.

“They go in as underdogs . . . they'll be determined and fighting for a bit of local pride.

“We will not be 100% full strength but we've got a squad good enough to win the game.”

The Knights will be without Wayne Adams (family reasons) and Peter Drager (ankle injury).

However, Livingstone said his side was keen to regain momentum after last weekend's premiership match against Beenleigh was washed out.

“We really want to win the Cup game because every game is important to us,” Livingstone said.

“But our main focus is going to be the game the week after against (Division 1 competition leaders) Pine Hills.

“We want to use this (tonight's game) as a preparation for that.”

Spirit co-coach Chris McCabe said tonight's game offered an excellent progress check for his side facing quality Knights attackers Trent Griffiths, Andrew Korner and Brodie Kenyon.

“The Knights always like to stamp their authority that they are the best team in Ipswich,” McCabe said.

“It's going to be a very strong test for our boys. But the boys are keen.

“I think it will probably be a bit more open than our (0-0) derby against the Bulls.”

McCabe sent his team indoors for gym work this week being unable to train on the field, which was damaged during last Friday night's Division 2 game.

“We haven't had the best preparation,” McCabe said.

“I think it (Kippen Park) will be bumpy but it will be dry.”

Spirit will be without Alex Anderson (head injury) and Steve Lennon (suspended) tonight.

Captain Richie Armstrong will start off the bench, being in risk of card suspension.

• Teams for tonight's Premier Cup round 3 clash at Kippen Park (7.30pm kick-off): Ipswich Knights -Zayne Freiberg, Stephen Hughes, Nick Parfitt, Andy Drager, Phil Brown, Ben Hunt, Matt Flick, Alex Weatherby, Trent Griffiths, Brodie Kenyon, Andrew Korner, Michael Brown, Damian Hoffman, two to be added.

Western Spirit: David O'Brien, Troy Wickstein, Brad Seeley, Scott Donaldson, Tim Cassey, Matt Christensen, Gerard Sanfruentes, Chris Gayle, Shaun Kitching, Phil Randal, Steve Newbigging, Dean Barnes, Josh Broderick, Richie Armstrong.