Sunshine Coast FC was privileged to be part of the launch of brand-new Girraween Sports Complex at the weekend.
These fantastic grounds will be the new home for the Noosa Lions.
The pre-season matches also gave coaches an opportunity to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of their team and individual players in a game setting.
Sunshine Coast FC under 14 years girls were the stars of the competition against the Noosa Lions, keeping their opponents scoreless while managing 17 goals.
Sunshine Coast FC were successful in five grades, and the under 13s drew against the Lions under 14s team.
The senior men’s team also managed to hold the Lions scoreless, finishing the game four-nil.
NPL Senior Men’s:
Senior men’s coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said the game started at a reasonable pace with both teams aiming to play a passing brand of football.
The Fire soon started to peg Noosa into their own half, with the mid-fielders moving the ball from side-to-side probing down each flank.
A Noosa defender’s rash challenge on Kaine Frew resulted in a penalty which captain Greig Henslee was able to slot home.
Then high pressure from SCFC brought a rushed pass from Noosa, which livewire Niko Bechar was able to capitalise on.
“He beat a couple of defenders and drew out the goal keeper, leaving the goal exposed,” A’herne-Evans said.
“A pull back enabled Leon Dwyer to simply tap the ball into the empty goal, bringing the score to 2-0.”
A header from Henslee brought the score to 3-0 at half time.
The second half was much the same with the Fire entrenched in Noosa’s half.
A string of missed passes and some great goal-keeping by Noosa’s new number one withheld the pressure for a long period.
Bechar managed to score bringing SCFC to a 4-0 lead at full-time.
A’herne-Evans said at times SCFC played some good football, showing composure and patience in possession.
“I would have liked to have seen us being more clinical in front of goal; however the Noosa goal keeper was in fine form. We have some work to do before our season begins,” he said.
NPL Under 18 Years:
The NPL under 18s team defeated Noosa’s seconds team 8-1.
Coach Paul Arnison said the team played well, and started the game with a high tempo in closing down the opposition and gaining possession of the ball high up the pitch.
This resulted in scoring two quick goals as the Fire continued to dominant the game.
The Fire scored a further three goals to Noosa’s one before half-time.
Noosa scored their first goal just before half time after some lack-lustre defending from the Fire.
In the second half the Fire dominated again and had three or four further chances, in one-on-one situations which they did not take.
The last 15 minutes saw Noosa tire resulting in the Fire scoring a further three goals to take their tally to eight.
“There were very good individual performances from Tosh Togatia, Jared Moore, Aidan Little, Steve Lawrence and Jack Johnson in particular,” Arnison said.
“It was also good to see Elliot Marsay back after injury.”
NPL Under 14 Years:
The SCFC under 14s team defeated Noosa Lions under 15s team 1-0 in a high-tempo match.
Coach Ben Cahn said after an early rush for possession, the Fire’s Joshua Nisbet and Henry Hore were able to gain some control over the game in the middle of the pack.
“Whilst we have some work to do in tightening up the defensive side of our game, the team should be happy with the amount of chances they created,” Cahn said.
“We were unfortunate, hitting the woodwork on a couple of occasions, most notably when a terrific run down the right hand side from Jez Lofthouse finished with a curling left-foot strike bouncing back off the crossbar.
“Special mention has to go to our goalkeeper, Marcus Worthington, who showed excellent positioning and safe hands all day.”
Cahn said new captain Josh Nisbet’s quick feet and precise finish were an asset to the team.
“He delivered an inspirational performance, drawing praise from all corners of the impressive Girraween Sports Complex.”
Under 14 Years Girls:
The under 14s girls racked up a whopping 17 goals against the Noosa Lions under 15s team.
Ben Cahn stood in as coach for Tom White, and said the step-up in the quality of the team was there for all to see, with a dominant display of flowing possession based football.
“All praise from the sidelines was focussed on the passing, willingness to move into spaces and the unselfishness in attacking positions from the fire girls,” Cahn said.
Madi Warren scored the Fire girl’s first goal under the new NPL set-up.
“(She will be) delighted with this, especially after her involvement in the game was in doubt right up until kick-off due to a niggling calf injury,” Cahn said.
After a brief rest she came back on in the middle of the park to score another two.
Maisie Berry came up with four goals for the girls, along with Kirsty Clifford, Michelle Le Roux and Tayla Gesch with three each. Aqua Meanie also scored a goal for the girls.
Cahn said he was happy with his team.
“It looks like a bright season ahead for the under 14 girls,” he said.
NPL Under 13 Years:
The under 13s NPL drew with the Lions’ under 14s team 1-1.
Coach Alex Barlow said he was happy with how the boys performed given their training had been interrupted due to wet weather.
“They played good football, and played up from the back half really well,” he said.
Tyson Williams scored in the first half off a great free kick into the top corner.
“The player’s ball speed and movement was good, that’s why we got the free kick,” Barlow said.
“However, Noosa’s physical size and presence took over.
“I was happy how the boys continued to look to play under pressure.”
Noosa put heavy pressure on SCFC, and broke through to score a goal about 10 minutes before full-time.
“We did score again at the end but the referee had just blown the full-time whistle.”
A’herne-Evans said the new venue had been impressive and Noosa had been excellent hosts.
“Thank you to the Noosa Lions FC for your great hospitality, and continued support of Sunshine Coast FC the games were very competitive and played in a good spirit at a fantastic venue, Girraween Sport Complex.
“President Alan Taylor, the committee and volunteers made all of Noosa proud.
“Best wishes for the 2013 season.”
