First Team:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Redlands United 1-0.
Goal scorer: Nico Bechar.
The Fire First Team faced Redlands United at Stockland Stadium in what was anticipated to be one of the best of the season after an enthralling 3-3 draw at Cleveland Show ground in May.
Coach Kevin-A’herne-Evans said the game started at a frantic pace with both sides showing an attacking intent. Redlands aiming to use their fantastic combination play through the middle, playing a 1-4-1-3-2 trying to get the influential Graham Fyfe into the game as early as possible. The Fire played a 1-4-2-3-1 with two holding midfield players to reduce the passing lanes to Reuben Way and Jheison Macauce in the Redlands frontline. With Alex Barlow and Nico Bechar providing width on either flank the Fire was set up for an attacking fiesta.
The Fire struck first as Barlow found space on the left-hand side and spotted Bechar outside to in-run between the central defender and left back. Barlow’s inch-perfect pass sent Bechar through 1v1 with the goal keeper and as he raced off his line Bechar coolly lifted the ball over his head into the empty net.
For the next 20 minutes Redlands applied heavy pressure from set pieces and forced Fire goal keeper Antony Hall into some impressive clearances. Hall remained calm under pressure and showed safe hands in collecting or getting a good fist to deliveries into the box.
The Fire looked dangerous on the break, sensing a lack of speed in the centre of Redlands’ back line. When Bechar cut inside the defender a big gap opened up in the heart of the defence for Leon Dwyer to race onto Bechar’s through-ball. The Redlands goal keeper to smothered Dwyer’s attempt on goal but on the rebound Dwyer tried find Scarff at the back post, only for a last-ditch clearance to prevent Fire taking a 2-0 lead into the break.
The second half was tense with such a close scoreline. Barlow and Bechar continued to cause problems to the Redlands backline, however they were unable to find that illusive second goal.
As the game crept into the latter stages Redlands began throwing more players forward, forcing the players Fire deep into their own half as they adjusted to play counter attacking football. This adjustment brought further chances to Scarff and Barlow whilst restricting Redlands to efforts from distance or set pieces. The final chance of the game came to Macauce when he found himself free at the back post only to steer his header over the goal from an angle.
“I am delighted with today’s victory, it sends a clear message to everyone in the League after pushing Olympic all the way a fortnight ago and gaining an impressive victory in Townsville last week,” A’herne-Evans said.
“To back that up these matches up with another clean sheet and three points against a strong Redlands United side proves we will never give up on our quest to reach the finals.”
“Next week we will play second-placed Brisbane City away. After losing to City at home earlier in the season (1-0) we know how tough the match will be. However, we are playing some good football and are stronger mentally after this recent run. It should be a great game down in Brisbane.”
Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire lost to Redlands United 2 .0
Coach Paul Arnison said the loss to Redlands was disappointing for the Fire.
“We had been in good form going into the game but I think the bye last weekend and not being able to train due to the weather had a big impact in the way we played.”
The Fire lacked the usual high tempo and looked sluggish from the start of the game.
Jesse Wilson worked hard to torment the left back all afternoon, however could not find the net with his final delivery. The Fire went in to half-time 1-0 down.
At half time Arnison told the boys if they lifted the tempo 15 per cent, the Fire could get back into game.
The Fire returned to the field with three fresh subs but Redlands were able to score a second goal.
Despite working hard, the Fire could not find a way past the Redlands defence and goal keeper -who was excellent throughout the game.
“We are still in with a great chance of making top four, so we must be better next round as we take on second placed Brisbane City,” Arnison said.
“I would like to wish Jack Johnson good luck in America, it was his final game on Sunday and he has been great to have in the team. I am sure he will do well in America. Best wishes Jack from everyone at the Fire.”
Under 18 Girls:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Wide Bay Revolution 4-0.
Goal scorers: Samara Christmas (3), Sienna Tucker
Coach Francis Lynch said Wide Bay started with a high line applying pressure on the Fire girls’ first touch. Els van Hooijdonk, Samara Christmas and Sienna Tucker interchanged a series of forward facing passes that allowed sienna to bend a left-foot shot into the top corner, forcing the Wide Bay goal keeper to save.
This triggered a series of quality moves that kept Wide Bay defending. Madi Phelps overlapped with Mia on the left and crossed into the 18-yard which required a final touch, however Wide Bay defended with desperation. Christmas then latched onto a corner to head the ball into the upright and cross the line before Wide Bay could clear it.
Wide Bay number nine Tegan Cox kept the defenders and stand-in goal keeper Madison Nugent busy with solo runs into 18-yard box. However, the Fire girls linked well to play out with composure and release Amy McGlynn, who’s shot was saved.
Wide Bay started the second-half strongly and should have equalised if not for Madison Phelps in goal. Soon into the half Mia Radda took a shot which went wide, however Christmas intercepted the resulting goal kick and slotted a shot home to bring the score to 2-0. This opened the flood gates and allowed Samara to complete here hat trick.
Wide Bay continued to attack but a quick play-out released Isobel Hall to beat her marker and cross into Tucker who volleyed with power and precision into the roof of the Wide Bay goal.
“Well done to all the girls on a great performance,” Lynch said.
Under 15 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Redlands United 1-0.
Goal scorer: Alex van Kampen
The Under 15 Boys Fire played at Stockland Stadium for the first time on Sunday, securing a narrow victory over Redlands United.
Assistant Coach Johnno Whiting said the from the first whistle the Fire was dominant in possession and looking to create chances. The first opportunity came in the 13th minute; Jordan Wust crossed to Jack Tait in the box, who unfortunately miss-controlled the shot before he could place the ball in the empty net.
Soon afterwards the Fire was rewarded with the only goal of the game; a great cross across goal from Jordy Irwin to Alex Van Kampen who took a touch and finished at the near post.
As the first-half came to a close, both teams were battling for possession.
The Fire continued to set up scoring opportunities into the second half. Just 15 minutes in, a free kick went wide to Jordan Viera who crossed the ball in to the box with Tom Swane unlucky not to finish.
A frustrated Fire continued to apply pressure, hoping for a second goal opportunity. With 14 minutes left Jordan Wust again crossed to van Kampen, who took a touch only for the ball to soar straight into the goal keeper’s hands.
“It was a frustrating game for us, we created many chances throughout the game but were unable to convert them to goals,” Whiting said.
Under 14 Girls:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Palm Beach 3-0.
Goal scorers: Michelle le Roux (2) and Kirsty Clifford.
Coach Tom White said the Fire started strongly and after just three minutes Maisie Berry played a great killer pass for Kirsty Clifford to smash home. From then on the Fire dominated the game as the Palm Beach keeper worked hard to keep the scoreline respectable.
“Sometimes you get games where you only create one or two chances and you have to be clinical, today we created 10-12 chances and their keeper kept them in it,” White said.
After the Fire’s early goal, two composed finishes from Michelle Le Roux in the second half sealed the game.
“I was very pleased with my two centre backs today, both were strong and won possession when we needed it and Katie was very steady in goal and looked sharp when called upon,” White said.
“I was pleased with our performance, again we have a few little technical issues to fix but with the end of the season nearing, I’m sure we will finish strong.”
“I’m also impressed with the development of young Maisie Berry who had a fantastic game again and is getting better every week. She beats players with ease, this year we just want her to add a few more goals to her game and we really want her killer passes to be accurate on a regular basis. After today’s game she’s well on her way.”
Under 14 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Redlands United 4-2
Goals: Jack Bowen, Ty Dawson, own goal.
After an impressive mid-week friendly performance against Noosa Lions FC, the Fire started the game against Redlands full of confidence. Coach Ben Cahn said the tempo, shape, build-up play and work rate were terrific, the only missing ingredient was the end product. The Fire had three or four goal scoring opportunities; however the teams went in level at half time.
The Fire started the second half with similar control and dominance. This time they were rewarded with three early goals. Jack Bowen caused problems down the right-hand side with direct running and the quality of his final ball. One of Bowens’ crosses resulted in a Redlands defender glancing one into his own net.
Ty Dawson continued his hot run of goals, adding a further two classy finishes to his already impressive tally.
The Fire then let its guard down with a string of sloppy passages of play. Redlands capitalised scored two goals in quick succession to bring the score to 3-2.
Luckily the Fire recognised the wake-up call and stepped up again. Josh Nisbet played a terrific through-ball to Jack Bowen, who finished expertly and regained the two goal lead.
The Fire worked with composure to maintain the lead for the remainder of the game.
Cahn said he was delighted with the first-half performance.
“Although we did not score, we were very good,” he said.
“The boys demonstrated some combinations of play we have been working on. For example; involving our full-backs more in the final third while having our number seven and 11 to receive the ball in more threatening areas.”
“We started the second half well. Scoring two goals was a real boost. We lost our way a touch for a 15-minute period. We have identified the small mistakes that cost us and on the whole they were just small positioning or individual technical errors. I spoke to the boys afterwards about the importance of identifying and rectifying the problems. These mistakes can be expected in development football and it is now about making sure we prevent them from happening again.”
Under 13 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Redlands 4-0.
After a Round 18 bye, the Fire boys were looking to bag three points and add to their winning run of games.
Coach Alex Barlow said even though the Fire beat Redlands 6-0 in the first round, the boys knew it was going to be a tough game.
Fire used the home advantage well and took control of the game early. The first goal of the game came from strong combination play from the top three, which allowed Jesse Gibbs to slot the ball past the Redlands keeper.
Soon afterwards some 1-2s down the right-hand side allowed Terone Wattegedara to get to the byline and drive a ball across the six-yard box. A defending Redlands player was unlucky to put the ball past his own keeper.
Redlands came out fighting in the second-half, and the Fire knew the next goal would be important as it would either seal the game or let Redlands back in. Fortunately it was Fire who gained the all-important goal, as a miss-hit goal-kick from the Redlands keeper found Gibbs’ feet for him to calmly claim his second.
Jac Eather wrapped up the victory as he ran onto a through-ball from Fire midfielder Tyson Williams, smashing his shot past the goal keeper into the front post.
The Fire almost gained another goal with just minutes to go, however Gibbs’ shot bounced off the upright post.
“After having the week off, I wasn’t sure if it would disrupt the boys’ momentum, but they seemed to make the most of having a break and came back sharper,” Barlow said.
“We’ve set ourselves up now and look in good shape going into a massive game against top-of-the- table Brisbane City.
“I’m proud of how far the boys have come. They’ve worked very hard and deserve the great results they have been getting so far.”
Under 12 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Redlands FC 4-0.
Goal scorers: Oliver Williams, Daniel Cuttler, Thomas Whittaker and Kaelan Debbage.
Coach Matt Huston and assistant Coach Brad Wallace said the match against Redlands was fast paced and was interesting in the first-half as both teams battled for possession. The Fire took a while to get control of the ball at the start of the match, however after about ten minutes of play fire started to keep possession with some nice touches and passes all over the pitch.
It wasn’t long before Archie Waterson found himself on the top of the box to beat a couple of defenders and take a shot at goal. Redlands’ goal keeper pulled off a great save but Oliver Williams was able to follow up on the rebound to score his first goal for the club.
Both teams looked dangerous as they battled for possession in the final minutes of the half; however neither team managed to score.
The Fire started off well in the second half, pressing Redlands defence deep in their own half. After a couple of minutes the Fire won a corner and Kaelan Debbage crossed it in to find Cuttler, who volleyed the ball into the top left corner.
A sloppy kick out from the Redlands goal keeper found Thomas Whittaker on top of the box and he was able to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner to bring the score to 3-0. Soon afterwards Waterson intercepted the ball in the midfield and clever work from Whittaker allowed Debbage to finish in the top corner 1v1.
The final score was 4-0 to the Fire in a convincing victory.
