Hyundai Queensland State League – Round Fifteen
Sunshine Coast Fire v Far North Queensland Bulls
Sunday, July 4, 2010 – 1pm.
After managing only one point from the previous two fixtures, the Sunshine Coast Fire will be hoping to arrest a mini slump in form when they take on the FNQ Bulls this weekend.
A disappointing 3-3 draw against the Bundaberg Spirit last round reduced the Fire’s QSL lead to 10 points. With the second and third placed Brisbane Strikers and NQ Razorbacks finding consistency, a win this weekend is vital for the Fire to maintain their lead over the chasing pack.
The Fire will play a midweek friendly against the Brisbane Roar, as part of the A-League club’s pre-season program. The Fire will use the fixture to try and iron out some of the defensive kinks which have cost the team points in recent weeks.
New midfield signing Drew Laurence may get his first taste of QSL football for the Fire on Sunday, and winger Corey Towle could return to the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Sunshine Coast still boast the most impressive attacking record in the QSL, having scored in every fixture and managing 41 goals from all 14 matches. However, missed opportunities against Bundaberg may have cost the Fire the match, and the boys will need to capitalise on their chances this week against a FNQ Bulls side which is gathering momentum.
The Bulls hold fourth place comfortably with 22 points, nine points clear of QAS who have two games in hand, and will be hoping to close the gap on the third-placed Razorbacks with a win on Sunday.
After a tough 4-4 draw with the Brisbane Strikers in Round 13, the Bulls nabbed all three points against the Whitsunday Miners last week with a late winner from Josh De Nittis.
The Bulls boast a formidable attacking duo in David Ruiz and Josiah Rusch, who between them have scored 21 goals this season. Negating the influence of these two strikers will no doubt be a high priority for the Fire’s defence.
The Fire and Bulls have met twice this season in Rounds 1 and 8, with the Fire scoring 3-1 and 2-0 victories. A repeat performance this weekend would be a huge step towards the Fire regaining the Queensland State League Premiership, as the season nears its end.
The match will kick off at 1pm on Sunday, July 4, at Stockland Park’s Western Fields in Bokarina, and will be followed by the Under-19 Fire taking on the Logan Strikers at 3pm.
On the back of big victories over South West Queensland and the Bundaberg Spirit in recent weeks, the Under-19s will be confident heading into the clash with the last-placed Logan Strikers.
Currently in second place on the ladder, the Sunshine Coast are six points behind the Brisbane Strikers and will be hoping for a win to keep the pressure on.
