NPL goal scoring machine ready to face ex-Premier League defender

He’s the unstoppable goal scoring force who has been smashing scoring records all season long, but now Brisbane Strikers front man Andy Pengelly is up against his greatest challenge yet in 216 cap former Premier League defender Steven Taylor.

Source: Brisbane Strikers FC

The goal scoring dynamo will go head to head with Wellington’s star centre-back on Wednesday as the Strikers host the Phoenix at Perry Park in the FFA Cup Round-of-32.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation for the Brisbane club in the NPLQ competition with an incredible haul of 36 goals in only 26 games, including an unbelievable nine-goal performance last month against the Sunshine Coast.

However, Pengelly is ready to take his game to another level against Taylor and believes he has the skills to make life difficult for the former Newcastle United captain.

“Steven Taylor is by far the most accomplished defender I have ever played against and I’m really excited to test myself against players of his standard," Pengelly told The World Game.

“I’m going to have to be on the ball but he is getting a bit older now so hopefully my youth gives me a bit of an advantage.

“I’m sure he will have a few tricks up his sleeve to keep me contained but I think my pace and movement will be my best chance of getting the better of him.”

While Pengelly has been the most prolific striker of all NPL competitions this season, the burgeoning star is still learning the ropes of forward play after a shock position change two seasons ago while playing in the Under-20s for Ipswich-based outfit Western Pride.

The former midfielder has taken to his new role like a duck to water and could be set to follow in the footsteps of his close friend and Brisbane Roar breakout star Dylan Wenzell-Halls who earned an A-League contract on the back of a record NPLQ season.

The Brisbane product admits it would be a dream come true to play in the A-League but he insists his focus is solely on winning premierships with the Strikers.

“Every young player would love to play in the A-League so that is definitely something I am working towards,” Pengelly said.

“I talk with Dylan (Wenzell-Halls) all the time and he has been giving me advice on how to get the most out of my game. Seeing his successes and being able to talk to him about that sort of thing has been a huge motivator for me to reach those heights myself.

“In saying all that I’m not thinking too far into the future instead focusing on the Strikers and making the most of this season.”

The former National Soccer League (NSL) winners will be hoping for a deep FFA Cup run and if Pengelly can add to his tally they will be a good chance of improving on their Round-of-16 finish from the 2016 and 2014 seasons.

“Getting a home game against A-League opposition was the best possible fixture for us so everyone at the club is really looking forward to the match,” Pengelly said.

“We have a really good squad this season and I have them to thank for my successes this season.

“I think we have a team which can really take the game to Wellington and with the home support behind us hopefully we can come away with an upset.”