Junior Wrap: 10 & 12 February 2018

Junior Wrap: 10 & 12 February 2018

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[tab_item title=”Under 13 Boys”]

Wide Bay Buccaneers (FQPL) (3) v Sunshine Coast FC (1)

Round 2 of the season saw the Fire U13s travel north to Bundaberg and a first competitive FQPL/NPL contest between these two sides. The hosts were determined to push their NPL opponents all the way and Fire would want to put last week’s opening round defeat firmly behind them.

Sunshine Coast Fire got the game under way in increasingly warm conditions, the visitors starting very brightly indeed. An early combination of Harrison Renzulli, Beppe Rooco and Mark Shaw down the right flank resulted in a half chance for Kaidin Dawson but the ball just wouldn’t drop to allow a clear shooting opportunity, Shaw again with his terrific pace forced a first corner of the game after only 2 minutes which the hosts gratefully scrambled clear.

Keeping on the front foot, Jett Brutnell found Dawson down the left whose powerful run ended with a cross flashing across the Wide Bay six yard box, Fire just unable to connect with the ball.

Fire centre back Luke Vancam showed strength in blocking a first Wide Bay shot after four minutes with the home player needing to leave the field after sustaining an injury in the challenge.

Dawson was having an outstanding opening to the game, being fed balls from combinations of Shaw, Brutnell and Dré Ngaha and was giving the Wide Bay right back a torrid time, whipping dangerous balls into the box throughout the opening 20 minutes.

Fire were enjoying a significant amount of possession, playing the ball confidently about the park but unable to capitalise and create the meaningful goal scoring chances their dominance merited. Dawson had a speculative shot held by the keeper following another Fire corner on 17 minutes before Wide Bay had their first shot on goal after 19 minutes but the effort was a tame one and Bradford Green saved easily.

The 24th minute saw Fire get the breakthrough their overall play deserved, a neat combination between Shaw, James Ridley and Ryan Tappouras saw the latter put through on goal, and after calmly rounding the keeper, Tappouras confidently slotted the ball home into the empty net.

Two minutes later Fire had a great chance to make it two nil, Shaw was played in behind the Wide Bay defence where he unselfishly tried to square the ball to Ridley but the home keeper did very well to pinch the ball of the Fire strikers foot and prevent the visitors from extending their lead.

Again Fire pressed, in the 28th minute Herbie Allsopp played in Shaw and Wide Bay were happy to concede another corner.

As half time approached, Wide Bay had a rare foray into Fire territory and the visitors were thankful to Tanner Mathers who put in an excellent lunging tackle and stopping a certain shooting opportunity.

Fire took a well-deserved lead into the break but may rue the lack of a cutting edge to have scored more.

Half Time: Wide Bay Buccaneers (0) – Sunshine Coast FC (1)

The hosts started the second stanza and it was immediately apparent that Wide Bay were going to be a different proposition this half. Deepal Maharaj needed to make a strong challenge within the first minute as the Buccaneers pressed, and in the 37th minute Green had to be alert and brave to make a save at the feet of the Wide Bay striker. Fire full back Dré Ngaha was booked in the 39th minute after being involved in number of foul challenges throughout the game.

In the 41st minute the equaliser came for the home team, after losing the ball in midfield to some strong, committed challenges, Wide Bay fired in a shot from the edge of the penalty area that left Green with no chance.

Fire immediately sought to get back in front, Rocco made a powerful run down the right, his cross found Tappouras who’s scrambled effort was saved.

Wide Bay looked to be far more determined in this second half, Fire unable to match their intensity and strength, Green making a terrific save again on the 45th minute to keep Fire on level terms.

Fire were beginning to lose some shape to their early fluid and quick passing game and had resorted to hitting longer balls to Rocco to chase down the right with some mixed results, but were easily conceding possession back to Wide Bay.

The home team took the lead in the 50th minute, when, after being allowed to cut in unchallenged from the attacking left position another long range effort flew past Green to make the score 2 -1.

Fire countered and after Rocco forced a corner in the 52nd minute, the ball fell to Shaw who was unable to connect fully with his volley and the shot was saved. Lachie Noyes had an effort saved in the 58th minute as Fire continued to try to get back on level terms.

However, as Wide Bay broke, Vancam was booked for pulling the shirt of the striker, and although the free kick was saved by Green, the clearance out of defence was intercepted and another Wide Bay shot, again from the edge of the Fire box, nestled in the Fire goal to extend the hosts lead.

Fire were this time unable to find a response, and with the hosts well in control of the final 10 minutes Fire could not to create any further chances and, under a searing heat, Wide Bay’s second half competitive edge saw them run out 3 -1 winners.

Full Time: Wide Bay Buccaneers (3) – Sunshine Coast FC (1)

Player of the Match: Kaidin Dawson

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[tab_item title=”Under 14 Boys”]

Wide Bay Buccaneers (FQPL) (0) v Sunshine Coast FC (6)

The second round of the season where Sunshine Coast FC’s scheduled match was a friendly game against FQPL club Wide Bay Buccaneers F.C. at Martens Oval, Bundaberg.

Once again Sunshine Coast FC started strong, driving the ball forward placing pressure on Wide Bay Buccaneers FC defense and goal keeper. A number of shots within the first five minutes and continuous drive forward resulted in a handball by the opposition in the box. Matthew Becker placed Sunshine Coast FC’s first goal on the board on the 6th minute with a penalty kick.

Sunshine Coast FC continued the intensity with their eye on the goal. A play from the midfield by Becker through to Harry McMillan on the right and a cross to Jake Rocker to knock the ball in on the 15th minute.

Sunshine Coast FC continued to move the ball around missing numerous opportunities to increase their lead.  The 30th minute saw Maxx Demerutis deliver the ball to Ari Sisarich on the left with a pass to Becker to finish the half with Fire’s 3rd goal.

Half Time: Wide Bay Buccaneers (0) v Sunshine Coast FC (3)

The second half saw a reignited Wide Bay Buccaneers FC return to the pitch taking advantage of Sunshine Coast FC mistakes. Matai Sisarich in goals supported by Jack Connors in defense ensured each attempt was nullified quickly.

Sunshine Coast FC persisted as they moved the ball around maintaining possession and placing shots on goal. A beautifully placed pass from Dimitri Pritchard for McMillan to run onto saw Fire’s first goal for the second half and 4th for the match on the 55th minute.

This was followed by another when McMillan took on two Wide Bay Buccaneers players to pop the ball over the goal keepers head on the 60th minute.

The 63rd minute resulted in Fire’s last goal of the match through a combination of passes between Harrison Whitelaw, Becker and Demerutis for Demerutis to score Sunshine Coast FC’s 6th goal.

Sunshine Coast FC demonstrated determination and persistence to come away with a win which made the 7 hour return trip and 600 kilometres travelled worthwhile.

Full Time: Wide Bay Buccaneers (0) v Sunshine Coast FC (6)

Player of the Match: Matthew Becker and Maxx Demerutis with great work together and combination of play.

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[tab_item title=”Under 15 Boys”]

Wide Bay Buccaneers (FQPL) (1) v Sunshine Coast FC (0)

After a large loss last weekend. Fire came out attacking and eager to put the ball in the back of the net.

In the 4th minute Harvey made a great kick and chase with Skinner there for support. The ball was off loaded to Skinner who was able to get a shot on goal but could not find the net.

With this fast-paced game, the Buccaneers attacked straight back in the 5th minute. Morwood saving the goal for Fire in spectacular style.

It wasn’t long before we were attacking again. Harvey once again with his fast pace drove the ball forward and unloaded to Boshoff who was able to get a shot on goal. Unfortunate not to score in the 6th minute.

Fire looked impressive with a nice combination starting with Emery moving the ball to find Harvey on the wing and again back to finish with Skinner. Only to be shut down again by this strong Buccaneer side.

Buccaneers scored the one and only goal of the game in the 20th minute.

Boshoff narrowly missed a great shot on goal in the 25th minute.

Despite all efforts in the second half Fire were unable to score.

Fire’s defence and goal keeping was solid keeping the Buccaneers scoreless in the second half.

Player of the Match: Nick Harvey – Well done to Harvey for earning MVP this week. Harvey is an exceptional player, always giving 100% and his quick pace is a true asset to the team.

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[tab_item title=”Under 16 Boys”]

Wide Bay Buccaneers (FQPL) (0) v Sunshine Coast FC (7)

The boys made the long trip north for the second round and on a very hot day Fire boys were able to come out 7.0 winners.

After Round 1 was washed out the boys started a little slower but were able score midway through the first half and went on to lead 3-0 before the break with a couple of goals to Chase Stone after some good lead up work from the backline and midfield.

In the second half the boys were able to put on another 4 goals to finish the match 7-0.

The boys played some very good football in different parts of the game and again thier defence was first class as it has been since the first friendly at the start of the 2018 season.

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