Under 18 Boys:
Sunshine Coast FC defeated Brisbane City 2-1.
Goal scorers: Corey Dodson and Steven Lawrance.
The Under 18 boys put in a great team performance to beat Brisbane City, knocking the team out of the top three and claiming second position on the ladder.
Paul Arnison said the boys started the game well but fell behind after 25 minutes to Brisbane City’s only shot on goal in the game.
The Fire continued to dominate the game but couldn’t peg a goal back before half-time.
“I told the boys at half-time if we had a bit more belief and stepped it up we would gain the important goal and then another,” Arnison said.
The Fire returned to the field with determination in the second half and soon strong work from the boys down the left allowed a cross to fall to Corey to level the score.
At this point the Fire looked like the only team capable of winning the game as the midfield of Chris Jancevski, Aiden Little and Brandon Lee worked hard to drive the team on.
Elliot Marsay caused chaos in the box as Jancevski took a long throw which fell to Steven Lawrance on the edge of the box. He side-volleyed the ball into the back of the net as his delighted team and coach celebrating like mad men.
Arnison said he was pleased with his team’s deserving win.
“It sets us up for a great game on Sunday against a strong Strikers team,” he said.
Under 15 Boys:
Sunshine Coast Fire drew with Brisbane City 2-2.
Goal scorers: Alex van Kampen and Jordan Irwin.
Assistant Coach John Whiting said possession was mixed at the start of the game. The Fire had two chances in the box, one fired over from Jordy Irwin fired a shot over the net from the left post, and Tom Swane’s header missed the target.
Brisbane City gained the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute from a set-piece outside the box; the ball was crossed across goal, taking a deflection which hit the post for the City forward to finish.
The Fire fought back and managed to equalise with just four minutes to go in the half. Jordan Irwin scored directly from the corner with the City goal keeper palming the ball in to the roof of his own net.
Brisbane City scored a second goal seven minutes into the second-half with a run down the line, before cutting the ball inside allowing the striker to place the ball into the bottom corner.
The Fire again held on and equalised in the 62nd minute from a set-piece. Cameron Nairn’s shot took a deflection off the wall for Alex van Kampen to volley home.
Both teams had countless chances to win the game in the last 10 minutes, but neither could convert the opportunities into a goal.
“We showed great heart to come back from behind on two occasions,” Whiting said.
Under 14 Girls:
Sunshine Coast Fire defeated Brisbane City/The Gap 10-1.
Goal scorers: Kirsty Clifford (5), Lisa van Hooijdonk (3), Maisie Berry and Madi Warren.
Coach Tom White said the Fire played some great football, especially in the second half.
A narrow pitch created problems for the wingers, who found it difficult to get in behind the Gap’s fullbacks. However the hard work of midfielders Maisie Berry, Michelle le Roux, Aqua Meanie and Madi Warren caused the Gap all sorts of problems as they drew the full backs out of position, giving the Fire wingers more freedom.
The girls gained a goal advantage early after a good finish from Maisie Berry. However the Fire then got a bit sloppy and conceded a goal.
This was a wake-up call and from then on the Fire took control of the game with some great finishing from Kirsty Clifford, taking her goal tally past 40 for the season. Van Hooijdonk scored a hat trick with three composed finishes, Berry and Warren both added to the Fire’s tally.
“We had a game plan and we executed it well,” White said.
“At half-time we just needed a shake-up and to alter our style as the pitch was really narrow. We ended up scoring seven in the second-half so overall I am pleased with our performance.”
“We have three games left and if we win all three we will win the league. We are all up for the challenge and having this challenge will really help the girls’ development. Their passion and hard work is what will get us to the finish line.”
