*More match reports will be added on Wednesday.
Under 18 Girls:
Sunshine Coast Fire lost to Redlands United 4-0.
Coach Francis Lynch said Redlands maintained a high line pressure from the start of the game, playing short, sharp passes to get in behind the Fire’s defence.
A missed-timed tackle allowed Redlands a penalty, which they netted to bring the score to 1-0 in the fifth minute. From there Redlands kept the pressure on and struck another blow from a well weighted cross into the 18 yard box which goalkeeper Savanna Bowtell-Harris could not get a hand to.
Determined to get back into the game, the Fire applied the same strategy in restricting Redlands from playing out. The Fire was able to gain control of the game with some quality crosses from Els van Hooijdonk. With composed shots on goal, the score should have read 3-2 however the Fire lacked that finish and a Redlands counter-attack brought the score to 3-0.
The Fire girls kept working hard and linked some quality play together. The Redlands goalkeeper pulled off some quality saves and a shot hit the upright, keeping the Fire goal-less.
The Fire maintained a high-line pressure formation to keep the challenge alive. Samara Christmas was able to get in behind the Redlands defence line only to shoot wide on several occasions. Once again Redlands linked short, sharp forward facing passes to their number nine and punished with an easy pass into goal which sealed the result; 4-0 to Redlands.
“With three games to go we cannot afford another game of missed chances with this many attempts on goal. We need to be composed and sharp with the final pass to goal,” Lynch said.
Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Brisbane Strikers 4-2.
Goal scorers: Elliot Marsay, Aiden Little, Brandon Lee and Chris Jancevski.
Coach Paul Arnison said the Fire put in a great effort in what was a must-win game.
The Fire took the game to the Strikers from the first whistle, and a goal seemed inevitable. Tosh Togatia was fouled inside the box and Elliot Marsay stepped up to take the penalty, calmly slotting the ball home.
The Strikers were unable to trouble the Fire’s back four, who were excellent throughout the first half.
The Fire finished the half at 1-0 and with the knowledge that the next goal would be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
The boys gained this important goal early after the restart as Aiden Little finished off a great team effort.
Brandon Lee popped up at the back post soon afterwards to put the Fire in thoroughly in the lead at 3-0.
The Strikers regrouped and pulled a goal back after a double save from Damien Cox in the six-yard box. After a series of chances a striker smashed the ball in.
However the Fire was not troubled and soon afterwards gained a fourth goal as Chris Jancevski curled a great free-kick into the top corner with only five minutes left to play.
Unfortunately the Fire switched off with a few minutes left and a wide free-kick from the Strikers was played into the box and floated straight into the back off the next.
The Fire just had to keep the ball in the corner for the last few minutes and see out the game.
“At the full-time whistle we were delighted with the result,” Arnison said.
“If we can beat SWQ Thunder next week then we will win the Premiership.”
