Under 12 boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (6) v Redlands United (2)
Another good game from the Under 12 boys, this time away at Redlands. On a small, dry and poor quality surface, Fire knew they would have to keep the ball and look to craft goals.
In the first half Fire dominated possession and played a good brand of football, taking the lead early. One of many attacks and Gaske’s awareness and smart thinking as he squared the ball unselfishly to Patterson who buried it (1v0, 6 mins)
The lead only lasted 4 minutes when Redlands first meaningful attack saw a break down the left wing. Poor marking in the midfield gave the Redlands players way too much time outside the box and had time to control, steady and unleash a good strike into the bottom corner, in off the post (1v1, 10mins).
Fire stayed on top and a similar goal for their second, Gaske again the provider after a good through ball from Williams. Once again, Gaske squared the ball to Debbage who met the ball and steered it with his left foot, wrong-footing the keeper (2v1, 20 mins).
On 24 minutes Salih pulled off the save of the game. A well struck shot was on its way into the bottom right corner, and our goalkeeper dived sharply to his right to save a certain goal.
Unfortunately, from the resultant corner, poor marking left a Redlands player with a simple tap in (2v2, 25 mins).
Half time team talk was upbeat, regardless of letting the lead slip twice. 60% possession in the first half told the real story and the quality of football from the fire boys was high. More of the same, belief and patience should see us through.
And patience was key. Despite continuing to control most the game, with Redlands going long ball often, everyone had to wait for the breakthrough…surely it would go with the dominant team?
And then a critical moment in the match, Redland broke away down the right and the ball played diagonally across. Todd Camm read the danger, closed down his player and tackled him about 4 metres out and a certain goal I think. That tackle was worth a goal and possibly the game.
Soon after, a patient build up before a killer pass from Williams to release Patterson. He raced onto the pass and kept his calm before slotting the ball high into the net. (3v2, 50mins).
The relief was clear. And from there the flood gates opened. The sealer on the next attack with Emery. Another assist from Gaske who found Emery wide and his shot was fumbled above the GK head due to the power (4v2, 51 mins)
The Fire suddenly looked like scoring every attack. A good goal as Emery darted into the box evading tackles, and coolly slotted the ball in from a tight angle (5v2, 54 mins)
The final goal was a cheeky and intended goal straight from a corner – Debbage in swinging the ball with pace after seeing the GK too near his back post. (6v2, 60 mins).
So a comfortable scoreline. Maybe it flattered the Fire given the score was 2v2 with 10mins to go? But with over 65% possession over the game and over 20 pass-strings of over 5 passes throughout the game, a 4 goal win was arguably about right.
The boys are told regularly that statistically, the world over, more goals are scored in the last 10 mins of a game than any other time. Never more was it true than today.
Another team effort with good performances across the park from the Fire. Mentions to Gaske who created havoc and goals today and Roszka who alongside the other midfielders, broke down attacks and set up our own with great skill. And Law, Debbage, Smith and Petcos who worked tirelessly again, working hard for the breakthrough.
Player of the Match: Jack Williams – Captain Jack gave a performance to match and was at the heart of the action disturbing and creating. Well done Jack.
Under 13 Boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (9) v Redlands United (1)
Back on the road Sunshine Coast Fire travelled down to Redlands United for what was to be a straight forward match against a team who had already lost two of their first four games. The Fire boys were keen to maintain their 100% winning record and they didn’t disappoint with a comfortable 9-1 victory.
Redlands United started brightly and competed well with an unbeaten Sunshine Coast Fire team for the first ten minutes passing the ball well, particularly down their left channel.
Some indecisive defending and sloppy passing by the Fire could have resulted in Redlands taking a two goal lead, however, they squandered their chances as well as being kept out by some good goalkeeping from Lucas Terpcou.
However, after an own goal on 12 minutes the Redland’s team dropped their heads and the Fire settled into their rhythm and took hold of their game controlling every area on the pitch.
The Fire started to play a much more measured game and found their passing range which resulted in three further goals in the last twenty minutes of the half.
The Fire came out for the second half strong and confident, consequently controlling the half with their dominant high tempo brand of football. Solid performances by Brodie Boyce, Cody Pyne, Ezekiel Hawkins, Rory Stenhouse and Ewan Gordon nullified the Redlands’ forwards as they pressed higher up the field to squash the space.
Goals and opportunities flowed in the second half with five goals coming in just over a twenty five minute spell of relentless football, which Redlands had no answer to. It could have been and should have been more!!
Good performances today by Lucas Terpcou, Eze Hawkins, Brok Ross, Callum Pearce, Harry Arnison, Sam Fleming, Brodie Boyce and in particular to Luke Varga, who was back to his very best after injury. Great work by every player in the team making it a fabulous team effort all round. Go the FIRE!!
Player of the Match: Luke Varga – tormented the Redlands’ defence on both wings and weighed in with three well taken goals.
Under 14 boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (0) v Redlands United (3)
After meeting Redlands previously in the pre-Season Fire Tournament and beating them convincingly in both games, the Fire felt confident that this game was assured, however Redlands had other ideas.
Within the first minute of the game, Kaelan Debbage made a nice interception to pass to Tom Whittaker to have a shot at goal, but the shot went wide. The 3rd minute saw a nice cross from Mackenar Bradfield to Kaelan Debbage for him to header the ball but it hit the crossbar.
Redlands first goal game in the 5th minute, with Redlands leading goal scorer Byron McLeod, running up the right wing to beat the Fire defence and cut in to shoot between GK Kurt Moore-Barnard and the near post. (0-1)
The Fire had several chances at goal in the next 20 minutes, but most shots were straight at the Redlands GK who saved them comfortably. However in the 30th minute, Budd Baublys nearly scored a header from a cross but a great reaction save from Redlands GK saw him get his finger tips to the ball and tap the ball into the side post and back out into play for a great save.
The 31st minute saw a nice smother save from GK Kurt Moore-Barnard. With almost a replica to last week’s performance against Strikers, the Fire were giving possession away and not capitalizing on chances when they presented.
Archie Waterson established some nice assists that went unrewarded and in the 39th minute, GK Nathan Foster make a nice smother save from a 1v1 with a Redlands forward.
The 47th minute, saw Redlands second goal come about when a Redlands player ran from near half way to cross the ball to an unmarked player for him to beat GK Nathan Foster and drive the ball into the back of the net. (0-2)
Passes not being completed with some scrappy play from the Fire forced them to play the defensive game and this led to the team becoming easily fatigued and not going to the ball.
A deflection save from GK Nathan Foster in the 67nd minute saw the ball crossed back into an unmarked Redlands player for him to score. (0-3)
A Yellow card was given to Harrison Bowen in the 68th minute for a push in the back of a Redlands player, which ended the game off with Fire going down 3-0.
Player of the Match: Archie Waterson
Under 15 boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (3) v Redlands United (3)
The match was between two sides who have both had strong starts to the season. Redlands sit in 2nd position with 3 wins and a draw, whilst SCFC sit in 4th with 2 wins and a draw.
A good start to the match from Fire saw the first chance fall to Terone Wattegedara as some good midfield play released wide forward Kurtis Modlin. Kurt did well to cut the ball back to Terone who struck the ball well but the Redlands keeper pulled off a tremendous save to keep the scores level.
Redlands then began to take control of the play with the Fire defence and midfield over playing in the back third, making things difficult for themselves. A couple of half chances were not taken by Redlands but a good break through the centre on 12 minutes was broken down by Tom Croft, who received a yellow card for a foul.
On 15 minutes Redlands took a deserved lead as a high ball was allowed to drop inside the 18 yard area. The ball dropped to the Redlands player who was able to slot past goalkeeper Lachlan Bosworth.
Redlands continued to look dangerous, however it was Fire who scored an equalizer when a quick throw-in taken by Taj Suffolk was not cleared and Terone Wattedegara was on the spot to calmly finish.
The first half came to an end with Redlands looking a dangerous side on the break and Fire needing to do some work on their shape.
The second half did not get off to a great start for Fire as Redlands continued to cause our defence issues with some strong running and direct play. Lachlan Bosworth was being kept busy with some good early saves including an acrobatic tip over the bar from a long range effort.
Two goals in three minutes for Redlands on 48 and 51 minutes gave Fire a mountain to climb with some poor defensive play giving Redlands two good chances which they put away well.
A quick reply from Fire gave the boys hope a comeback was possible as some good defensive pressure from the attack put Redlands under pressure, and Kurtis Modlin finished well to make the score 3-2. Just two minutes later Fire suffered a setback with Tom Croft receiving a second yellow card for dissent.
Down to ten men, the Fire side showed plenty of character and finally started to control the tempo of the game. All the chances started to come our way with Redlands defending with numbers and looking for breaks with long balls into space.
With time running out Max Footitt had a great chance to equalize with a well taken set piece setting him up at the far post, but his volley went just wide.
With just a minute remaining Fire finally got the equalizer when Mitch Bridge produced a well weighted through ball and once again Kurtis Modlin’s pace and strength got him to the ball first and he finished superbly with a drilled low shot going in off the post.
The match finished 3-3 with the Fire boys happy to have shown plenty of character to come from behind with ten men.
Player of the Match: Kurtis Modlin
Under 15 girls
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (2) v Souths United (1)
The girls started out the game very strong, putting lots of pressure on Souths from the start. Director of Coaching, Melvyn Wilkes took the girls for part of Friday’s training and it was evident they took on board his coaching tips and executed them in the game on Sunday. The girls played lots of dangerous balls through the middle which were fed to our outside forwards or killer balls through the middle. The girls were rewarded with a penalty just outside the 18 yard box in the 10th minute when Annie Dennis was fouled. Sara Walker took the kick and scored with a shot to the upper left corner. The girls continued to put lots of pressure on Souths for the rest of the half, with Souths mounting no major attacks on our goal.
The girls continued to apply the pressure in the second half. In addition to lots of pressure up-front, our defense was very solid with our centre backs working well together and with our outside backs. Shadow player Kiama Marsh played right back for us and did very well. The communication and defensive movement was excellent. Jazmyn Rogers-Young had an excellent game, playing in the 10 spot and at about the 45th minute she was able to break through the defense and score with a shot to the right side-netting. Despite a solid effort from the girls, Souths were able to score in the final minutes of the game. Due to injuries we did not have any subs and I believe this did hurt us towards of the end of the game, as it was a hot day.
Overall, the girls played very hard, executed tactics and skills we have been working on in training, which was great to watch.
Player of the Match: Jazmyn Rogers-Young
Under 16 Boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (3) v Redlands United (1)
The extended hot autumn weather continued for this rare Saturday fixture for the Fire 16 Boys. The cooling SE sea breeze tempered only slightly the hot playing conditions at the 1pm kick off.
Still smarting from their narrow loss to the Strikers last Sunday, the Fire started more positively, and after 5 mins began to enjoy more territory and possession.
In the 7th minute Ollie Blackmore put a good ball to Callum Jones whose shot hit the apex of the left post and crossbar and ricocheted away.
Fire continued to test the Redlands defence as Matt Cann was finding space in behind on the right to deliver a number of crosses into the danger zone. In an open game Fire were playing possession football and Redlands were relying on catching Fire on the break. The Fire defence marshaled by James Beckman in the middle was able to deal with all threats to this point. Liam Burns on the right was defending well, finding space out wide going forward and his distribution was effective.
Fire were building pressure and looked the more dangerous but a free kick to Redlands after 20 mins tested our defence. A minute later the Fire were rewarded when Callum Jones found Kobe Fuller who beat a defender and drilled a low shot inside the post to score.
After a drinks break Fire enjoyed their most dominant period with a controlled passing game.
At 30 mins Matt Cann put Addi Brader through on the right and from the ensuing corner James Beckman’s header passed outside the post.
With a minute left to half time Fire were again rewarded for their efforts when Kobe Fuller found Callum Jones in space and his goal bound shot was helped with a slight deflection as it found the net. Deservedly Fire were ahead 2-0 at half time.
Early in the second half a Redlands free kick in scoring range drew a sharp save from a fully stretched Josh Wall who was able to push the ball away to safety.
At 45 mins from a throw out from Josh Wall at the back to Liam Burns, Liam found Jack Bowen on the right who powered passed a Redlands defender only to see his shot pass agonisingly outside the post. Jack Bowen made another individual run in the 52th min for the same result.
In the 53rd minute Kobe Fuller’s accurate cross found the head of an airborne Aiden Ward at close range and it was 3-0 to the Fire.
Fire may have eased the pressure a little and at 57 mins Redlands were able to score from a well taken free kick which cleared the wall and grazed the inside of the post as it evaded the desperate dive of Josh Wall.
Fire were stung back into action and Kye Chapman and Aiden Ward combined well in a number of raids down the left side. Aiden made several dangerous crosses into the box and should have been rewarded when a shot from Addi Brader was saved by the Redlands keeper and Addi’s return shot was scrambled away for a corner. The ball went back and forth across the Redlands goal from the corner but Jack Bowen’s header was just wide.
Fire was always in control of this game but couldn’t find the net again and at the final whistle the score remained 3-1. A satisfying win for the Fire boys.
Player of the Match: Liam Burns
Under 18 boys
Sunshine Coast FC Fire (3) v Brisbane Strikers (2) – Round 5
Sunshine Coast Fire went into the game 3 wins in a row, looking to make it 4 away to a strong Brisbane Strikers team, under the lights at Perry Park.
A slow start by the Sunshine Coast team leads to the opening goal after three minutes. Sean Pateman dwelt on the ball at right back leaving the back four open and exposed to a square ball that Strikers take full advantage of, tapping in from the goal line after Aaron Smith getting hands on. Fire responded well and pressed the back four forcing a corner. Sloppy defending by Fire captain Matthew Carrick and Smith nearly gives the Strikers an opening.
A great ball was played by Rhyan Scriggins into Cameron Nairn who squared the ball across the goal line only for it to be cleared for a corner. From the resulting corner an unmarked. Rhyan Scriggins headed the ball over the bar. An interception by Sean de Chastel in the final third leads to Nairn driving through the middle to work a shot with quick feet only for it to be blocked. It then fell to Jordan Lloyd setting Luke Devitt who hits it over the bar.
The Sunshine Coast Fire equaliser came in the 18th minute from a short corner taken by Nairn and Devitt resulting in a Nairn cross to de Chastel who hit the post from 2 yards with the ball fortunately landing at the feet of Rhyan Scriggins. Scriggins then tapped into an empty net. Brave defending by Nik Taylor, Smith and Carrick kept the score level.
A passing play from left to right by the Fire led to Lloyd outsmarting his opponent in the box and winning a penalty, Devitt steps up and sends the goalkeeper the wrong way, Sunshine Coast Fire lead 2-1. A throw-in by Strikers leads to a shot 25 yards out which hits the crossbar. At halftime, Fire have a 2-1 lead going into the break.
The Fire started the second half on the front foot. A Nairn back heel into a overlapping Jordan Irwin led to a corner after the defender clears over the crossbar. A great covering challenge by Pateman keeps the lead. Another great passing play by the Sunshine Coast Fire leads to Gabriel Dennis picking up the ball in midfield to pass to Devitt who beats a defender then plays a one-two with de Chastel on the edge of the penalty box to fire a shot on goal which beats the goalkeeper. Sunshine Coast lead 3-1.
Another well-read interception by de Chastel leads to a drive into the penalty box, only to work a corner. Disorganisation at the back leads to Carrick being tackled on the edge of the box allowing a free shot on goal. Smith parried into a unmarked player who found the back of the net. Score was then 3-2, with thirty minutes left to play.
Following the goal, a scrap in the goal mouth between Carrick and an opposition player goes unpunished by the referee, resulting in a controversial Red Card for Lloyd after being substituted. All 22 men remain on the pitch. Sunshine Coast kept on fighting after substitute Glen Morris pressed from the front well to win the ball high up and work a shot on goal.
Rhyan Scriggins, Andre Jancevski and Jordan Vieira combined to work a Vieira Shot. Strikers exposed Sunshine Coast down the left, only for a cross to go unpunished. Risky defending by the back four ends with a determined block by Morris. Multiple chances created by Jancevski’s hard work and skill followed only to be denied by determined defending by Strikers. Another possible own-goal followed by combination play between Devitt, Jancevski and Irwin forcing a corner.
In the 95th minute Strikers had a set piece on halfway and crossed into the box only for Smith to see it out for a goal kick.
All players showed great character in a tough environment and played great football in parts.
Player of the Match: Luke Devitt who showed great mental toughness to step up and take a penalty at a crucial moment in the game and great skill and teamwork to score the match winning goal.
Open Women
Sunshine Coast Fire (10) v Souths United (0)
The Open Women made a spectacular come back and produced a performance that showed their potential as a team. The two key forwards Samara Christmas and Sofie Persson scored 4 and 3 goals apiece, Dani White scored 2 and Brooke Matheson rounded it off with another.
Without detailing each goal with such a high score – there were some stand out goals involving great composure on the ball and individual skills, perhaps the most spectacular being one of Sofie’s goals which was scored by executing a scissors type volley at waist height to finish. It was also pleasing to see the solid performances from two Youth Players Katie Offer(GK) and Holly Vidulich making their first appearance in the team off the bench.
Player of the Match: Els van Hooijdonk
Youth Women
Sunshine Coast Fire (7) v South’s United (0)
The Youth Women combined well with one another under assistant coach Jayah Brown, scoring two goals in the first half and five in the second.
Kirra Guy opened the scoring after 5 minutes off an excellent cross by Kirsty Clifford, one of many excellent crosses and 1v1’s that were part of all four goals scored while Kirsty was on the field. She also scored herself after another excellent 1v1.
Paige Jenner worked hard and won numerous contests to score 2 goals for the match; Lisa scored halfway through the second half after an outstanding run (one of many). Madi Warren scored a cracker of a goal from outside the penalty area into the top left hand corner. Dani Collins capped it all off with a fine goal in the 80th minute of the game.
Player of the Match: Paige Jenner
