Fire National Youth League 4 v Nambour United 0.
The Fire National Youth league took on local Club Nambour-Yandina United (NYU) on Thursday night at NYU’s home ground at Yandina.
The newly formed team cemented a convincing 4-0 victory with strong work from a number of players.
The first half was scrappy as both teams struggled on the narrow, short field, over-hitting many killer passes to the goalkeeper.
The Fire took control of the game after the 20 minute mark with Jesse Quinn and Tosh Togatia showing great enthusiasm to move forward and join in attacks where possible. Debut player Bryce Cushieri was influential in the midfield, often triggering Fire attacks. He combined with Josh Sancusie who tormented defenders with his ability to glide past them with ease.
In the second-half the Fire was firmly in control of the game as Cushieri, Brandon Lee, Luke Lewis and Josh Sansucie showed their quality.
Aidan Little was the first to put the Fire on the scoreboard in the 45th minute when he side-footed in a teasing cross from Sancusie.
Clever play from Cushieri and Lewis allowed Little to bag a brace in the 51st minute as he caught Lewis’ shot on the rebound and slotted the ball into an empty net from 8 yards. NYU continued to play a long-ball brand of football and managed to pressure the Fire backline at times, however Sam Nickolls was in fine form in goal, denying NYU’s shots.
Hayden Van Hoof and Lewis managed to seal the game in the Fire’s favour in the last ten minutes of play. Van Hoof showed good composure with a crisp drive into the bottom corner in the 83rd minute. Just 5 minutes later an inch-perfect ball from Cushieri drew the NYU goal keeper, only for Lewis to dribble the ball around the keeper and slot it into goal from a tight angle.
Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said he was pleased with the first pre-season game of the year.
“The players have set a good foundation to build upon this year,” he said.
Player of the Match: Bryce Cushieri.
Sunshine Coast Fire U18 Boys 7 v Nambour Yandina United 0.
The Fire Under 18 Boys continued their strong pre-season form with a convincing 7-0 win over Nambour Yandina United (NYU) Reserves.
After a sluggish start the Fire began to dominate possession and field position with numerous shots on goal. The scoreline grew quickly in the Fire’s favour; Jordy Lloyd and Matt Kennedy managed to put the Fire five goals ahead going into half-time. Lloyd bagged a brace and Kennedy secured a hat-trick.
The game became scrappy during the second-half, however NYU rarely troubled the Fire as the boys extended their lead by two more goals.
Jesse Wilson dribbled through numerous defenders from the half-way line and slotted the ball into the net in the 75th minute. Lloyd secured his hat-trick in the last minute of the game as he turned the defender and finished with his left foot.
Coach Paul Arnison was pleased with the boys’ efforts in a strong game.
Player of the Match: Gabrielle Dennis.
