Sunshine Coast Fire 2 v Kawana Soccer Club 1
After the retirement of stalwart players Greig Henslee, Ryan Smith and Leon Dwyer that day, the Fire took on Kawana FC with a fresh squad and new backline.
The first 30 minutes of the game presented a good contest as Kawana’s lively squad asked questions of the Fire’s backline. However as the partnership of centrebacks Chiharu Kosuge and Wade Zammit grew stronger Kawana’s goal scoring opportunities were reduced.
New player Matt Needham, along with Jai Cross and Paul Arnison began to take control in the middle of the park with Needham’s driving forward runs causing problems for Kawana’s backline and only the crossbar and a desperate clearance off the line kept the game scoreless.
Ryan Delahunty scored a trademark goal to put the Fire on the board on the 30 minute mark. A cleared corner from the right fell to the speedy winger’s left-foot allowing him to unleash a crisp drive into the top corner from 25 yards.
The Fire kept control of the game heading into the second-half; only the lively Jeremy Stewart threatened the Fire backline on the occasional break-away.
Needham eventually gained reward for his forward runs as he latched onto a great through ball from Kosuge through the centre of Kawana’s defence. As the goal keeper advanced off his line, Needham showed great composure in lifting the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Kawana managed to peg a goal back in the 75th minute when a teasing ball from Stewart across the Fire backline forced Sam Knight to miscue his clearance over Nickolls to drop underneath the crossbar.
Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said he was pleased with the brand-new team’s efforts.
“The intensity in the first half was good,” he said, “Kawana really took the game to us in the first 20 to 30 minutes, we expected this as we set up to be open so our new backline would be tested.”
“As our defence strengthened we limited Kawana to maybe a handful of shots from tight angles or long distance.
“Early signs are promising. There is already a collective work ethic evident in the small squad and with so many promising players coming through it will be an exciting season.”
