First Team:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated CQFC 9-0
Goal scorers: Leon Dwyer, Nico Bechar (3), Jeremy Lynch (3), James Verdin and Chris Toovey.
Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans the Fire First team started the second half of the season in a ruthless manner, putting nine unanswered goals past CQFC at Stockland Stadium on Sunday.
It only took Leon Dwyer six minutes to mark his return to the side with a well-taken goal from a Nico Bechar cross.
The Fire remained in control with wave after wave of attacks at the CQ goal. In the 21st minute, Dwyer repaid the compliment to Bechar as he found the Frenchman through a crowd of defenders. Bechar smashed the ball in off the cross bar from the edge of the box.
The Fire players could sense a big score within their grasp if they continued with attacking intent. In the 32nd minute good play from Dwyer and Bechar down the right set up Lynch to finish from eight yards.
Just six minutes later the Fire brought the score to 4-0 after Sammy Knights’ fantastic overlapping run and cross found Lynch on hand to place the ball into the side netting.
There was still time for one more goal before half-time courtesy of Bechar. Verdin cut the ball back from a corner for Bechar to unleash a dipping shot into the far corner.
At half time the coaching staff simply asked for more of the same, and the Fire returned to the field with enthusiasm.
Jeremy Lynch started the second-half searching for his first senior hat-trick. He gained his reward as he latched on to a deft Leon Dwyer through-ball to finish from a hard angle with a volley across goal.
James Verdin was next to score after finding himself isolated 1v1 with the fullback. He showed a good turn of speed as he ran the ball close to goal and slotted it home from the six-yard line.
“It was a composed finish from the young winger who is having a good run if games this year a reward for the years of hard work he has applied to the game,” A’herne-Evans said.
Chris Toovey joined play after 70 minutes and the big target man found himself in a foot race with a Central Queensland defender. He raced free and delivered a great finish low and hard across the goal.
With eight minutes to go Bechar decided it was time to get a hat-trick of his own. Toovey set Bechar up to score, however in typical Bechar style he decided to wait for the defender to get back goal-side and in a heartbeat created a yard to smash the ball in from a near-impossible angle.
A’herne-Evans said he was ‘delighted’ with the performance.
“I am particularly pleased with the speed of our attack today as well as our combination play in the final third was exceptional to watch. We really showed great composure in the final third”
“Lynch is really developing as a Striker, that hat-trick now puts him on nine goals from nine starts a return any accomplished Striker would be proud of.”
Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Wide Bay Revolution 2-0.
Coach Paul Arnison said the Fire started well as Corey Dodson scored just one minute from kick-off.
However after the first goal, the Fire’s passing was poor and the team lacked communication.
The Fire eventually got the important second goal again through Dodson. After some strong play round the box the ball was passed through to Corey, who coolly finished to bring the score to 2-0 at half time.
During the second-half the Fire tried to freshen things up with subs, however only had a few more shots from outside of the box.
“Our passing was poor and the game just faded out without the opposition really creating anything against us.
“However we got the win and three points and we will take that as sometimes you play well and do not win.
“Well done to Grant De Chastel who stood out throughout the game.”
Under 18 Girls:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Wide Bay Revolution 3-0.
Goal scorers: Amy McGlynn, Sienna Tucker, Lucy Froud.
On a wet Gympie field the Fire girls played high-tempo short, sharp passing football and pressed Wide Bay into their defensive third. The Fire’s continued attacks were finally rewarded when Amy McGlynn finished from 12 yards inside the near post.
The Fire’s offensive possession went from strength to strength allowing the fullbacks to overlap into a scoring opportunity, which the Wide Bay goal keeper to saved.
In the 30th minute Keira Burgess’ quick shift of play opened the left side for Maddie Phelps to bounce the ball in to Mia Radda. She squared the ball into Sienna Tucker for a half-volley into the back of the net.
During the second-half Wide Bay continued to try to play out created a good opportunity to score, however stand in goal keeper Grace Wilkins kept a clean sheet.
On the 70th minute the Fire sealed the game with a Claire Glackin through ball which released McGlynn. Her initial strike hit the upright, and for Lucy Froud finished from a tight angle to bring the score to 3-0.
Coach Francis Lynch congratulated the girls on their performance.
Under 14 Girls:
Sunshine Coast FC defeated Palm Beach Sharks 3-0.
Goal scorers: Michelle Le Roux (2), Kirsty Clifford (1).
Coach Tom White said the Fire girls came away from Sunday’s game relieved and pleased to have another three points.
“I felt like we were the better team; we scored some good goals however I do think we could have performed a lot better,” he said.
“I think we gave possession away when it was unnecessary and it turned into scrappy game. However, when you score three goals and keep a clean sheet you have to say job done. Our back four were put under lots of pressure and had a few shaky moments but were able to produce good tackles when needed and our goal keeper Katie Offer was solid.”
White said the Fire midfield was the most productive with Maisie Berry and Michelle Le Roux causing all sorts of problems and Captain Tayla Gesch holding her position well.
Le Roux scored two goals with good finishes and a good composed finish yet again from Kirsty Clifford helped the Fire gain the three points.
“We did the basics well but we just did not exploit the openings we created,” White said.
“We would create space and then lose possession we would get into positions to run at our opponents and slow the game down or we would create a good opportunity and miss the target – this was the type of day we had.
“Overall the girls can be happy with getting the job done in a more competitive game than recent weeks.”
Photos: Under 16 Boys v Wide Bay:
