Under 12 Boys – Olympic FC (2) v Sunshine Coast FC (3)
This match was the season first meeting between the two sides with earlier scheduled encounters having been thwarted by the weather. With both teams fighting at the wrong end of the table there was there was much to prove.
Olympic kicked off this rescheduled Round 8 contest under perfect conditions and with little more than a minute on the clock had the game’s first shot, but a tame effort was well off target. Soon after, Fire goalkeeper Luke Vancam was smartly off his line to clear with Fire failing to make tackles on the edge of their own penalty area.
This seemed to wake up the visitors from their early slumber, and after a pass from the energetic Beppe Rocco, Riley Moore sent a rising drive just wide on four minutes. Fire sensed an opportunity to open the scoring, Moore forcing the Olympic keeper into a clearance that ricocheted to Jeremy Byasse who was just unable to get his shot away, Rocco again in the action forcing Olympic to scramble the ball out for a throw in.
After 9 minutes Byasse wriggled through a number of tackles in a mazy midfield run, his clever ball to Moore almost sending the Fire striker clear again. A minute later Byasse saw his effort saved by the Olympic keeper following Dré Ngaha’s chipped free kick into the Olympic area.
After 16 minutes and against the run of play, Olympic forced a corner down their left hand side, a good delivery into the six yard box produced a fine header and the home side were in front.
As Fire tried to get themselves back on level terms a strong run from Ngaha on 19 minutes saw the Fire left back injured before he could shoot. Olympic sent another good cross into the Fire area a minute later but to no avail.
In the 23rd minute, Moore equalised for Fire with a lobbed finish after another good contribution from Rocco down the right hand side.
Fire were certainly playing with confidence and some good passing between Ngaha, Kaidin Dawson saw Dawson’s fine cross evade the incoming Mark Shaw on the far post.
Heading into the final minutes of the half Olympic found themselves in front again, a speculative effort from the edge of the Fire box finding the roof of the net, Vancam’s touch not quite enough to keep the shot out.
There was still just enough time for Fire to respond, more good play down the left saw another fine Dawson cross, this one just too far ahead of Moore and Shaw’s first time volley was blocked for a Fire corner. But the home side took a slender advantage into the half time break.
Fire restarted the second half, and threatened immediately, Byasse releasing Shaw whose shot produced a good save from the home keeper. After Fire defender Tanner Mathers was fouled in his own half on 32 minutes, Lachlan Noyes’ astute pass found Ryan Tappouras, but his through ball to the edge of the Olympic box saw both Shaw and Byasse again crowded out by the Olympic defence. With ongoing Fire pressure the impressive Moore sent another shot just wide on 33 minutes.
A revamped Fire back line looked solid with Mathers and Herbie Allsopp comfortably managing Olympic moves through the middle of the park with strong tackles and good distribution, Deepal Maharaj at right back linking up well with Dawson who had switched to wings in the second half.
Good play from Olympic in the 36th almost allowed them to extend their lead but Vancam was alert to snuff out the danger and clear the ball.
In the 38th minute Fire again drew level, Tappouras, having a strong game in midfield alongside Noyes drove into the Olympic area before pulling the ball back to Dawson who fired into the top corner.
Fire were beginning to force the game now. The 41st minute saw a fine through ball from Tappouras to Rocco, racing clear of the Olympic defence he drew a fine save from the keeper who tipped the ball over the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Olympic failed to clear and Noyes, enjoying a good game in central volleyed superbly into the net to give Fire a deserved lead.
As the game progressed, Maharaj, continued to impress at right back, playing a good ball for Dawson, before they in turn controlled play with Noyes and Tappouras deep in the Olympic half but the shooting opportunity wouldn’t come.
Mindful of the risk of an Olympic counter attack Allsopp was alert again in the 44th minute to calmly tidy up an Olympic foray. Further good passing involving Byasse, Moore and Dawson almost created the gap for Tappouras, but the opening wouldn’t come.
Noyes sent a beautifully weighted pass through to Shaw in the 51st minute although the linesman indicated the Fire winger had just stayed offside.
However Fire continued to control the game, passing confidently and intelligently and looked the team most likely to score again, Rocco trying his luck in the 55th minute.
Despite never looking like conceding for most of the second half it was Olympic who threatened an unlikely equalizer right at the death but Fire keeper Vancam was happy to marshal the cross over the line for a goal kick.
Having played with playing with confidence and a determined belief, this was a hard fought and thoroughly deserved win for the travelling Fire.
Player of the Match: Kaidin Dawson
Under 13 Boys – Olympic FC (3) v Sunshine Coast FC (2)
This was Fire’s first meeting with Brisbane Olympic FC for the season after a rescheduled round 8 match which was originally cancelled due to wet weather. Sunshine Coast FC were eager to continue on their winning form taking control of the game immediately, moving the ball and placing pressure on Brisbane Olympic FC’s midfield and defence.
The first twenty minutes saw Sunshine Coast FC place a multitude of shots on Olympic FC’s goal with no success. Olympic intercepted a Sunshine Coast FC pass resulting in the first goal for the match on the 21st minute. Olympic 1-0
Sunshine Coast FC Fire recomposed and again pushed forward, moved the ball around and placed pressure on their opposition. Olympic held strong in their defensive line, playing the long ball and keeping Sunshine Coast FC scoreless for the first half. Olympic 1-0
Second half began the same as the first with Sunshine Coast FC determined to place goals on the board however a lapse in concentration resulted in Brisbane Olympic FC’s second goal two minutes into the second half. Olympic 2-0
A two-nil deficit didn’t hinder the drive of Sunshine Coast FC attack as they continued to move the ball around in an attempt to break down Brisbane Olympic FC’s solid defence. Success came on the 46th minute when a goal kick by the Brisbane Olympic FC goal keeper landed at the feet of Kyle Barnes and with a pass through to Kane Gibbs Sunshine Coast FC were on the board. Olympic 2-1
Sunshine Coast FC Fire continued to fight which resulted in a foul against Brisbane Olympic FC and consequently a successful free kick which saw Brisbane Olympic FC take their lead to 3-1 on the 51st minute.
Sunshine Coast FC retaliated quickly with a pass from Dimitri Pritchard through to Gibbs resulting in a goal on the 53rd minute to close the gap. Olympic 3-2.
Sunshine Coast FC continued to place pressure on Brisbane Olympic FC and play a high attacking game in an attempt to equalise the scores. The final whistle blew with Sunshine Coast FC experiencing their third loss for the season.
Player of the Match: Ben Nassiep
Under 13 Girls – Sunshine Coast FC (3) v Olympic FC (0)
This was a match played by two teams that were extremely evenly matched across the field. This was demonstrated by the closeness of the first half with the first 20 minutes being a real battle. Both teams were playing some very attractive football and were both trying to play out from the back, through the midfield to set up attacks.
Finally in the 24th minute Fire were awarded a corner which was reluctantly taken by Drew Aiken. After some scuffling in the box, the ball finally settled at the feet of centre back Vicky Holowko who smacked the ball into the back of the net. The goal settled the Fire team and they pressed hard until half time for another goal but with no reward.
The second half started very much the same as the first half finished with the Fire pressing hard. Some beautiful play from the back was gathered by Drew Aiken in the midfield and distributed to the right wing Lilly Herron. The ball was then centred to Lili Danger who instead of shooting put across the perfect ball for Grace Shelley to stroke into the back of the net. All being equal, this was by far the best team goal the girls have scored this season.
The third goal was again caused by some wonderful team play and finished with a stunning strike by Drew Aiken. A midfield ball slid sideways by Maddy Sansby was gathered by Drew Aiken who steadied and from 35 yards out struck the ball beautifully and it sailed over the head of the outstretched keeper.
For a team of very young girls with only a handful of older girls, the Fire team played extremely well and stuck to the task of trying to always play correct football.
Under 14 Boys – Olympic FC (1) v Sunshine Coast FC (2)
Having not played each other so far this season both teams started tentatively as they sounded each other. The field didn’t particularly suit the Fire style of game as ball possession was a difficult task on a dry uneven surface which seemed to suit Olympics’ long ball game.
Half chances were created for both teams until Olympic struck in the 13th minute. A long ball to the far post was headed in from close range to give Olympic the early advantage.
Fire responded quickly when a great long throw from Toby Evens-Gilham found Alex Patterson in the box. An elusive turn outsmarted his defender who could only push Patterson in the back for a penalty. Unfortunately the penalty was struck straight at the keeper, which wasn’t helped by the opposing coach deliberately yelling at the penalty taker as he ran in for the kick.
Fire continued to push for the equaliser and looked the better team in the latter stages of the first half.
Jayden Emery again had an impressive game and was often the initiator of many Fire attacking plays. Corne Boshoff was outstanding on the wing and created several excellent chances. In the 26th minute Emery played a perfectly weighted pass through to Boshoff who was only denied by a fine 1v1 save from the Olympic keeper.
Likewise on the other wing Nick Harvey was using his pace and power to great effect as he often eluded his marker and created Fire opportunities.
Fire were determined in the second half to produce their free flowing football which has them sitting as leaders on the table. Unfortunately a card happy officiator didn’t allow this to happen with numerous yellow cards handed out. Ten minutes into the second half Olympic had a man sent off for dissent, shortly after Alex Patterson found the back of the net to equalise. Reacting first in the box allowed Patterson to beat his defender to the ball and even the score line.
Fire continued to apply pressure. Quick ball movement constantly stretched Olympic as Fire searched for the deserved winner.
On the 56 minute mark Baylee Hall-Tempest played a beautiful chip down the sideline to get Boshoff behind the line. Boshoff drove down the wing and squared a lovely ball to Patterson. Still with work to do, Patterson eluded his marker and slotted the winner into the back of the net.
Fire continued to control the game through the dying minutes. Fire defence, as always, allowed Olympic very few chances to equalise. It was a great comeback from an outstanding team that just keeps performing each week.
Players of the Match: Corne Boshoff and Alex Patterson. Corne was outstanding on the wing all day as he constantly eluded his defender and produced high quality deliveries into the box. Alex played the perfect #9 role. Always applying pressure in defence and finishing with composure when it matters.
Under 18 Boys – Redlands United FC (3) v Sunshine Coast FC (0)
Sunday saw the U18 Fire boys travel to Cleveland hopeful for the 3 points against the season win-less Redlands.
3’ GOAL REDLANDS – Wasting no time putting first score on the board.
4’ CHANCE FIRE – Dawson and Edwards team up moving the ball forward to Platz whose fine cross in front of goals was unable to be finished by Fire attackers.
10’ Home team got well timed run down the right wing only to be shut down by solid defensive work from Gibbons, conceding Redlands a corner that amounted to nothing following Fire clearance.
20’ FIRE CHALLENGE – Great work by Rompel with a confident run towards goal shut down by a tackle only metres from the goal area.
24’ REDLANDS OPPORTUNITY – Strike on goal comfortably saved by Porter.
28’ REDLANDS THREATEN – Solid shot at goals that flew wide to right side of the net.
29’ REDLANDS CORNER – Resulting in a powerful ball delivered on target; Edwards got his head to it enough to take the sting out with the deflection then held by Porter to deny Redlands another goal.
30’ REDLANDS GOAL – After a scramble metres from the goal area Redlands player Cairns finally broke clear to put their second goal away.
32’- FIRE YELLOW CARD – Dawson, Edwards, Bath and Platz showed outstanding team work keeping Redlands at bay within their 18 yard box, however Platz ultimately received a yellow card following what appeared a fair tackle.
36’ REDLANDS CHANCE – Home team strike skims along top of the Fire cross bar.
42’ FIRE CHANCE – Nice through ball from Dawson resulting in shot on goal by Bath which was on target but denied by Redlands keeper.
49’ FIRE OPPORTUNITY – Nice delivery from Festa to Platz who created time to shoot but it slipped just high of the woodwork.
55’ FIRE OPPORTUNITY – Morrison showed persistence all game creating scoring opportunities. It almost paid off after taking possession he broke free of defender sending a great ball across goals with unfortunately no-one there to finish.
57’ GOAL REDLANDS – Redlands receive their third goal after penalty was conceded in the box following a tackle by Dawson.
68’ REDLANDS CHANCE – Miss-hit ball was on target but with no velocity – Easily scooped up by Porter.
80’ Injury to Gibbons following a tackle saw him leave the field to be replaced by Rompel.
Fire boys worked hard all game creating many opportunities but were unfortunate in not being able to finish off with the required goals. The score-line is not a true reflection of the standard of play and determination that our boys exhibited throughout the match.
