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[tab_item title=”Under 13 Boys”]
Sunshine Coast FC (1) v Redlands United FC (2)
Fire were competing in their first home game of the season against a Redlands side that had started the season strongly.
Sunshine Coast Fire kicked off on a damp and breezy Sunday morning and created the game’s first positive moment in the opening seconds when Beppe Rocco sent Kaidin Dawson free down the Fire left, his cross gathered low down by the Redlands keeper. Immediately Redlands sent a long, hopeful ball forward, the Fire planning to get themselves into a mess and allowing Redlands to gleefully knock the ball 20 yards into an empty goal with barely a minute on the clock. After three minutes the visitors looked to extend their lead but the effort sailed over Bradford Green’s goal. Fire showing signs of growing into the game forced an opening of their own with the Redlands keeper making another decent save at the feet of Ryan Tappouras.
Fire were certainly matching their opponents, with good distribution and intent, the final pass just letting them down. In the 11th minute, a good passage of play from Fire involving James Ridley, Mark Shaw and Tappouras giving the latter a shooting chance which was too high.
A lovely move from Fire saw them draw level in the 23rd minute, a good pass from Rocco saw Dawson scamper clear down the left again, his well-placed, low cross, was perfectly met first time by Shaw arriving just in front of the goalkeeper to clinically finish. An almost identical move involving the same three players in the 25th minute gave Fire further encouragement. This time Shaw peeling off to the flank but just overrunning the ball before he could pull back to the on rushing Dawson. Fire were in the ascendancy as the half progressed, Tappouras again coming close in the 28th minute but having to settle for a corner. The clearance led to a quick Redlands break but a first time effort was wide of the Fire goal. Redlands did restore their lead in the 34th minute, engineering an opportunity in the Fire box to shoot high past Green. In a frantic end to the half, another Dawson cross was met by Tappouras who was left holding his head in frustration as his side footed shot was helped around the post courtesy of the goalkeepers foot. From the resulting set piece, Vancam was first to the ball but was also left frustrated as his looping header hit the crossbar.
Half Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (1) v Redlands United FC (2)
The visitors got the game back underway and after the entertaining first half the second was somewhat of a contrast.
Redlands were making much of the running without really penetrating a Fire backline of Allsopp Vancam, Renzulli and Ngaha all looking assured and determined, restricting Redlands to a handful of long range efforts that required only routine saves from Green.
Fire at the other end were unable to keep the ball as well as they had managed earlier in the game, some solid and industrious build up play through the midfield, and wide positions was too often thwarted by a final misplaced pass, an unforced error or simply not getting the rub of the green when it mattered.
Fire could only manage one shot in the half from Charlie Jeff which was wide of the target and with neither side able to add to their respective tallies the game ended in victory to Redlands.
Despite conditions underfoot not being ideal, Fire again equipped themselves well and put forward another encouraging performance. No doubt frustrated at losing by the odd goal a the second successive week, Fire, who travel to high flying Lions next week, are showing themselves to be an increasingly capable team.
Full Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (1) v Redlands United FC (2)
Player of the Match: Beppe Rocco
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[tab_item title=”Under 14 Boys”]
Sunshine Coast FC (3) v Redlands United FC (1)
The sixth round saw Fire’s first meeting against Redlands United FC for the season at home. After another week of rain both teams were eager to enter the field of play.
The heavy pitch proved to challenge both teams slowing down the speed and consistency of play.
After a number of near misses Sunshine Coast FC finally placed their first goal on the board when Harry McMillan received the ball on the right and took it up the wing, outstepping a number of players to score on the 17th minute.
Three minutes later a play from the middle by Matthew Becker to McMillan on the right who then crossed the ball to Jake Rocker to place the ball in the back of the net.
Sunshine Coast FC’s momentum was shut down quickly by the Redlands United FC defence to hold Fire out for the first half with a two nil lead.
Half Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (2) v Redlands United FC (0)
Both teams returned to the pitch with Fire looking to increase their lead quickly and take charge of the game. A foul by a Redlands United FC player awarded Sunshine Coast FC a free kick. Riley Visona placed the ball on the head of Becker to score on the 38th minute.
As the game progressed Redlands United FC held strong in their defence with their goal keeper ensuring Sunshine Coast FC didn’t place any more goals on the board.
A renewed drive was found when Caden Penniket of Redlands United FC gained possession of the ball at right back and using his power and strength drove forward to place a successful shot on goal on the 57th minute.
Redlands United FC stepped up their intensity with Sunshine Coast FC’s scrambled defence holding out to the end of the game.
Full Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (3) v Redlands United FC (1)
Player of the Match: N/A
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[tab_item title=”Under 15 Boys”]
Sunshine Coast FC (1) v Redlands United FC (0)
There were showers looming all morning and the pitch was boggy, but the team was eager to play.
Fire dominated possession in the first half, moving the ball around the field and creating many opportunities on goal.
In the 9th minute the ball was played back to the Fire keeper who put a great ball through to Fire striker Nelson. Nelson got to the ball and played it off to Evens-Gilham who then played it to midfielder Vochteloo. The ball was then played back to Emery who got a solid shot on goal but the keeper saved it.
Again in the 10th minute another opportunity opened up for Nelson who striked the ball into the net but was called off side.
In the 16th minute Gray did a great throw-in to Vochteloo who passed it wide to Boshoff. Boshoff glided though the Redlands defence and crossed it across the goal. The defender tried to clear it but Evens-Gilham intercepted it and was able to put another shot on goal.
Vochteloo also having a crack at goal in the 37th minute after a nice ball from Emery.
Half Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (0) v Redlands United FC (0)
After controlling most of the first half the 15s were focused maintaining possession and creating opportunities.
Early in the second half there were some great combinations. Hyder worked hard in the midfield to set up another move towards goal. Great pass to Aughterson who worked hard to put the ball through to Nelson who was unfortunate not to get his shot away on goal.
It wasn’t until the 62nd minute when the hard work payed off. Evens-Gilham with his fast pace out ran the Redland’s defence driving the ball all the way to the box and scoring the only goal of the game.
Full Time: Sunshine Coast Fire (1) v Redlands United FC (0)
Player of the Match: Toby Evens-Gilham
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