The Fire Open Women’s Team has made a strong debut in the new South East Queensland Women’s Premier League after defeating established BPL Club Taringa Rovers in the opening round.
Goals from Kirsty Clifford and an excellent finish from Samara Christmas sealed the 2-1 win for the Fire.
The young Fire team was confident throughout the game with good possession and movement. The girls created several chances in the opening minutes before great build-up play from Clifford allowed Christmas to unleash a powerful drive into the top corner from 18 yards.
The Fire kept possession and looked dangerous throughout the first half and it wasn’t long before Clifford latched on to a through-ball from Isobel Dalton to increase the lead to 2-0.
The Fire was reduced to 10 women in the second half after full back Jemima Head was sent off for a last man tackle in the 55th minute. Taringa missed the penalty, giving the Fire some breathing space until the 70th minute when the Rovers pegged a goal back, making for a tense final 20 minutes. The Fire held out for a 2-1 debut victory.
Coach Dave Bensted congratulated his team on a strong game against an established team.
“We deserved the win after our hard work and team spirit throughout the game,” he said.
Fire Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans said he was pleased with the team’s debut performance.
“Some of the football the girls played was terrific and their work ethic and unity was of the highest standard,” he said.
“Playing Eastern Suburbs FC away this Friday will be a big challenge as Easts is considered one of the powerhouses in Brisbane football,”
The Fire Open Women’s Team will take on Eastern Suburbs at 8:30pm on Friday, March 14 at Heath Park.
