Hyundai Queensland State League – Preliminary Final
Sunshine Coast Fire v North Queensland Razorbacks
Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 2.30pm
Kane Frampton – Staff Reporter
The Sunshine Coast Fire will look to put the disappointment of missing out on a HQSL Grand Final berth behind them this Sunday, when they take on the North Queensland Razorbacks in a Preliminary Final at Stockland Park.
The 2-1 Major Semi Final loss at the hands of the Brisbane Strikers is a setback for the Fire, but the team will be confident of booking yet another showdown with the Strikers by getting past the Razorbacks.
The Razorbacks qualified for the Preliminary after defeating FNQ in a North Queensland derby, turning around some average form of late with an important 2-1 victory in Mareeba. It was the Razorbacks first victory over their nearest rivals in four attempts this season, and the side will travel to Kawana on Sunday brimming with confidence and looking to dash the Fire’s party.
The Fire will take heart from the fact that their 2008 Championship came the hard way, when they lost at home to the Strikers by the same scoreline in the Major Semi Final.
The Coast then went on to face North Queensland in the Preliminary Final at Stockland Park, recording a 7-0 thrashing before travelling to Perry Park and claiming revenge over the Strikers with a 1-0 triumph in the Grand Final.
The Fire will be doing all in their power to try and emulate this feat, but will not be taking the threat of North Queensland lightly.
It was the Razorbacks who were the first to taste victory over the Fire this season, holding on for a 2-1 win in Round 13 to snap the Coast’s winning streak at 12 games.
The most recent encounter between the two sides in Round 20 ended in a 4-2 victory for the Fire, despite playing the bulk of the game with only 10 men.
With the Under-19 Fire already booking their place in the Grand Final with last week’s win, Aston Bell will have a few more players at his disposal for the match.
To see if the Fire can bounce back from last week, head down to Stockland Park on Sunday September 5. Kick-off will be at 2.30pm.
