Junior Match Reports – 17 September 2017

Junior Match Reports – 17 September 2017

Under 12 Boys – Gold Coast City FC (6) v Sunshine Coast FC (0)

Gold Coast got this rescheduled Round 2 match underway in grey and occasionally gusty conditions, Fire, resurgent in recent weeks, were quickly into the game showing plenty of desire, energy and commitment, determined to end the season on positive note.

Gold Coast were the first to look like opening the scoring when a gilt edge chance was side footed wide within a couple of minutes. Another shot fizzing over the Fire crossbar shortly after.

Fire’s first opportunity fell to Beppe Rocco, a half chance in the Gold Coast penalty area that was screwed harmlessly wide after four minutes.

After seven minutes Gold Coast forced a corner, and after conceding a free kick midway inside their half after nine minutes Fire keeper Patrick Cooper made the game’s first outstanding contribution with a fine diving save from the loose ball.

Gold Coast also firing into Cooper’s side netting after 12 minutes.

Despite these close shaves Fire were not being overawed, there were a number of encouraging performances all over the park ensuring Fire were not going to wilt under home pressure. A Fire break after 15 minutes eventually saw Hayden White in the clear and despite being forced wide he was able to find Jett Wouters, his cross towards Rocco was miscued and another half chance passed.

Rocco was again involved linking up with Mark Shaw before Fire midfielder Lachlan Noyes saw an effort fly wide after 18 minutes.

City pressed again down their right flank, a good move resulting in an effort just off target of the Fire goal. Fire had Noyes to thank in the 22nd minute after he produced a superb sliding tackle whilst covering holes down the Fire right hand side as again Gold Coast pressed, but Fire were holding firm.

Fire had a great chance to open the scoring in the 24th minute after good play between Luke Vancam and Kaidin Dawson but with Shaw through on goal, his first touch was heavy and the City keeper was able to collect the ball. Within a minute Vancam was also through against the keeper who stood tall to deny Fire again, from the corner Dawson sent an effort wide.

Gold Coast finally took the lead in the 26th minute as Fire watched a loose ball around their area and City took advantage to give Cooper no chance.

The final minutes of the half saw a Wouters effort saved and despite some excellent defence notably from Dré Ngaha on the left, Herbie Allsopp in the centre along with an assured midfield display from Noyes and skipper Ryan Tappouras, the hosts went into the break with a slender advantage.

Fire restarted from the break and looked to continue where they left off, Vancam almost through on goal in the opening seconds, picking up an apparent injury in the process.

Unfortunately for plucky Fire that was arguably as good as the half got. The champions then began to turn the screw somewhat as Fire lost shape and momentum, City adding a second after 35 minutes with a near post tap in, a third almost coming two minutes later with a rasping drive that Cooper was happy to watch clear the Fire crossbar.

Dawson and Vancam endeavoured to get Fire going down their left hand side but with little joy before Cooper was again forced into another save on 41 minutes. From the resulting corner City effectively ended the game as a contest by adding a third.

Fire tried to haul themselves off the canvas, White, Wouters and Tappouras linking up to try and force an opening but a final ball was just behind Wouters who couldn’t adjust to get his shot away.

City immediately broke forward, Cooper again equal to the challenge. From the corner a smartly struck effort crashed against the Fire crossbar but with City first to react a fourth was knocked home in the 46th minute. City were now well in control, Fire unable to string passes together despite valiant efforts, Gold Coast seemingly happy to score at will, emphasised by a fifth goal scored from distance in the 48th minute.

Fire stung also by injuries to the always determined Tanner Mathers and a knee injury to Rocco couldn’t manage the consolation they deserved when Shaw could only find the City keeper when well placed in the closing minutes. Salt was rubbed into the visitors wounds when City added a sixth with the last kick of the game.

While Fire players may reflect on a disappointing last game of their debut NPL season, previous weeks have shown renewed determination and a realisation that that they can be competitive, that they should take confidence into pre-season and look optimistically forward to the New Year and 2018.

Player of the Match: Herbie Allsopp

 

Under 13 Boys – Gold Coast City FC (1) Sunshine Coast FC (2)

The last game for the season was a rescheduled game from Round 2 where the whole round was cancelled due to a heat wave. Sunshine Coast FC travelled to the Mallawa Sports Complex ready to play and enjoy their final game for the season.

Gold Coast City FC started strong and confident coming off two wins, quickly placing pressure on Sunshine Coast FC. A corner taken by Gold Coast City FC resulted in the first goal of the match on the 10th minute. GCC 1-0

Both teams competed hard, driving towards the goals and putting up a strong defence to nullify the opposition. Gold Coast City maintained the lead heading into the second half.

Sunshine Coast FC Fire returned to the pitch set to make a comeback and end their season on a high. Sunshine Coast FC stepped up their attack and movement of the ball as they drove towards the goals. A pass from Samuel Klein landed at the feet of Maxx Demerutis for him to take a shot and find the back of the net to equalise on the 45th minute. 1-1

Gold Coast City FC stepped up their defence which resulted in a foul against Matthew Becker in the box. A subsequent penalty for Becker to score on the 50th minute saw Sunshine Coast FC Fire take the lead. Fire 2-1

Both teams continued to challenge each other as they looked to score. As the final whistle blew Sunshine Coast FC Fire U13 boys sealed the season with a 2-1 win. This caps off their second consecutive season where these boys have taken out the premiership with a confident 8 point lead.  Through team work, persistence and some great displays of football the 2017 season has seen some impressive results. As a team the boys scored 132 goals, a 109 goal difference and three of the Sunshine Coast Fire U13 boys placing in the top five goal scorers, with Kane Gibbs top goal scorer in the U13 boys competition with 38 goals. We wish Ben Nassiep, Flynn Faulkner, Jacob Reid, Kane Gibbs and Samuel Klein the best of luck as they travel to Coffs Harbour as a part of the Queensland Metro U13’s Football Team to compete at the National Youth Championships.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *