Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire lost to QAS 2-1.
Goal scorers: Ryan McMaster
Coach Paul Arnison said he was looking for the Fire boys to carry last week’s solid performance against Western Pride into Saturday’s match against a well-drilled and organised QAS.
The game started at a good pace with both teams fairly evenly matched and neither creating any noticeable goal chances.
Just prior to half-time a QAS player put in a killer pass allowing another player to score from close range. The resulting kick-off gave the Fire boys a chance to equalise when the ball fell to Jack Johnson, however unfortunately he could not keep his shot down.
The Fire boys went into half-time a goal down.
Arnison said the team made a few changes during the break due to injury, and spoke about being more positive in the final third.
Soon into the second-half Jack Johnson made a run and put a through-ball for Ryan McMaster to calmly slot into the bottom corner.
The game was then evenly balanced as both teams played some quality football. Aiden Little’s run ended in a penalty to the Fire, which Elliot Marsay stepped up to take. Unfortunately his shot went over the crossbar.
Within two minutes of the penalty miss, QAS scored the winning goal as a cross from the right was headed home from six-yards out. The Fire tried to gain an equaliser but the game ended 2-1 in QAS’ favour.
“I am proud of every one of them for the effort and high work rate they displayed,” Arnison said.
“We will bounce back next week against Palm Beach!”
First Team:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated QAS 2-0.
Goal scorer: Michael Scarff (2)
Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said the QAS presented a difficult opponent for the Fire
as they were a highly technical squad.
He said the first-half was slow paced from both sides, with the game constantly stopping and starting as there were no ball boys.
As the half neared a close the Fire had forced a number of corners. In the 40th minute Nico Bechar pulled a corner back to Alex Barlow who crossed the ball in to Michael Scarff to side foot the ball into the empty net for the first goal of the game.
The second-half started with more momentum for the Fire as Sam Knight, Bechar and Barlow gained goal chances.
Eventually the pressure was too much for the QAS and Bechar’s swinging corner found Scarff in front of the on-rushing goal keeper. He glanced the ball off the right side of his head into the net.
The Fire had three more opportunities to extend the lead, however on the difficult surface Barlow, Lawrance and Knight failed to capitalise.
In the final 10 minutes the QAS pushed in the hope of getting back into the game; however Henslee and Smith proved unbreakable through the middle.They were well supported by fullbacks Sato and Lawrance and the resolute back line limited the QAS to only a solitary shot in the second-half.
“I am pleased with the win, I was particularly pleased with how disciplined we were without possession,” A’herne-Evans said.
“The QAS youngsters really make you work hard as a defensive unit and to keep a clean sheet is always pleasing.”
“I am delighted for Michael Scarff, a local Sunshine Coast player who has come into the side and added a reliable platform for us. His goals were a reward for the effort he has put in.”
