First Team:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated QAS 1-0.
Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said the Fire undertook a real test of discipline and attention to detail in the game against QAS.
A’herne-Evans said QAS played an attractive brand of football; however despite their effort in producing a structured build up style of play they rarely threatened the Fire backline.
At the start of the game both teams kept the ball well and after more than 20 passes Nico Bechar found himself isolated 1v1 with the full-back. He cut inside, beat a couple of defenders and produced a world-class finish in reversing the ball into the top right-hand corner of the QAS goal.
The Fire went on to create multiple goal scoring opportunities from a number of corners, but were unable to convert these chances to goals.
A’herne-Evans said when Knight and Kaine Frew beat the offside trap to race clear, a touch of composure in front of goal would have seen the Fire rewarded on the scoreboard.
The first half drew to a close with the Fire very much in control of the game and feeling a little unfortunate not to be further ahead.
The Fire again dominated territory during the beginning of the second half.
When Leon Dwyer hit the post, only a fantastic goal-line clearance denied Jason Hicks’ fine left foot drive.
In the last 30 minutes QAS started to find gaps in between the lines, mainly through the striker dropping deep into midfield to create an overload. Whilst this tactic proved effective in maintaining possession it really presented a different problem for QAS as they then had no player to play forward to. Meanwhile the Fire remained composed and disciplined.
During the final 10 minutes the Fire expected an onslaught from QAS. However the experience and leadership qualities of captain Greig Henslee and Paul Arnison in midfield ensured that QAS were restricted to only a handful of shots at goal all afternoon.
The Fire had two further opportunities late in the game. Toovey was agonisingly close to meeting a superb Sato delivery, and the hard-running Sammy Knight sent a rasping angled drive inches over the top corner.
A’herne-Evans was pleased with the 1-0 result.
“It is another three points, and a clean sheet is all the better,” he said.
“Our work rate today was superb. The way we defended as a team was very pleasing.”
“We do need to convert the chances we create to make it easier for ourselves; however I am relatively pleased with majority of our game today.”
A’herne-Evans said Bechar’s goal had been a highlight.
“We played a number of passes which started from our goal keeper, Knight, and a total of nine players were involved in the build-up.”
He said this showed the Fire was taking more responsibility as a team in possession.
“When a defender is 1v1 against Nico it really is not pleasant at all and once he created the space to get the shot away we knew something special was going to happen. He does it so often.”
Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire drew with QAS 2-2.
After three wins in a row the Fire Under 18 Boys came up against what coach Paul Arnison described as ‘a very good passing team’ in QAS.
Soon into the first-half a sloppy pass from the Fire along the 18-yard line allowed QAS a shot at goal.
The shot went wide, but soon afterwards QAS scored through some clever play and a good finish from their striker. The score was 1-0 to QAS.
The Fire eventually started to get a foot-hold on the game; Tosh Togatia and Jesse Wilson became real threats down the right-hand side and the team put in some good defensive work.
The Fire’s equaliser came after a great one-on-one save from Damien Cox fell to Togatia in the box. His play found Jack Johnson who then played a great ball for Wilson to run on to. After a couple of lovely touches, Wilson calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to bring the score to 1-1 at half time.
After the break, the game was more even. QAS had a couple of shots which Cox dealt with comfortably.
The Fire then took the lead once again through Wilson after good build up play from Aidan Little and Chris Jancevski.
With 20 minutes left QAS started to get on top.
Steve Lawrence, Jared Moore and Togatia in the back line made some last ditch tackles, however the Fire eventually found themselves conceding a second goal of the game. QAS played down their right and the ball was crossed in. The Fire didn’t clear in far enough, allowing QAS a shot in from 25 yards which ended up in the back of net.
“Overall I was pleased with the way the boys worked hard against a very good passing side in QAS,” Arnison said.
“We are still doing okay with four games gone, and Tosh Togatia, Jared Moore and Steve Lawrance were excellent in defence.”
