Hyundai Queensland State League – Round Fifteen
Sunshine Coast Fire v Far North Queensland Bulls
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Kane Frampton – Staff Reporter
After dropping points in the last two rounds, the Sunshine Coast Fire have returned to the winner’s circle with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Far North Queensland Bulls.
Tyson Holmes, Ryan Delahunty, Shaun Blackman and Greig Henslee got on the scoresheet for the Fire, as the team reclaimed its 10 point QSL lead with only six fixtures remaining.
There were a number of changes to the starting lineup, as a result of the success experienced in the midweek friendly against the Brisbane Roar. Tyson Holmes was partnered by new signing Drew Laurence in central midfield, with Yuta Gonai moving to the right flank. Ryan Delahunty started on the left wing, and Corey Towle dropped back to cover left fullback. Jai Cross returned to the side to join Shaun Blackman in attack.
The Fire’s reinvigorated attack had the better of the opening exchanges, and almost caught the Bulls cold early on. Delahunty outpaced his marker on the left flank, before hitting a low pass towards Blackman that was cut out by the Bulls defence.
The Bulls looked listless in the opening minutes, as the Fire attempted to stamp their authority on the contest with an early goal. After five minutes, an early cross was aimed towards Tyson Holmes at the near post, who stood his ground as Bulls keeper Angelo Serafin rushed out to intercept. Holmes showed great awareness to flick a header over Serafin and into an empty net, giving the Fire the early lead and settling any nerves that may have been present.
Spurred on by their perfect start, the Fire continued to threaten. An accurate long ball from Corey Towle fell to the advantage of Jai Cross, who rushed in on goal and took a shot that Serafin parried away for a corner. From the ensuing corner, Delahunty headed narrowly wide at the near post.
The Fire looked to be trying to make a statement as they built through the middle, demonstrating quick ball movement and direct play. Holmes and Blackman combined well, before releasing Cross who missed to the right with a low shot.
Fifteen minutes came and went, and the Bulls were yet to mount a meaningful attack on goal. As they broke down the right, Alex Plowman tried for an early cross but sprayed it across the goal-line. In their next attack, Peter McGrath dribbled between the Fire’s centre halves and managed a shot on goal, but Antony Hall got down well to save.
The Fire began to utilise the wings more as they settled into a rhythm. After strong play down the right flank, James Stinson crossed to Blackman, who had a diving header blocked by the Bulls keeper.
But for all the Fire’s territorial dominance, they were still only one goal in front. This changed on 29 minutes when Holmes slipped a neat pass to Delahunty on the left wing, who streaked in on goal and beat Serafin at the near post for a 2-0 lead.
Two goals down, the Bulls stepped up their efforts and looked more desperate on the ball. David Ruiz pounced on a loose ball and forced a save out of Hall on 33 minutes.
Another goal was added to the Fire’s tally minutes later, when Holmes chipped a free-kick towards Blackman at the far post, who rose well and angled a header across the face of goal and into the net.
Three goals up and nearing half time, the Fire were in complete control. However, a collision in the penalty area on 40 minutes had the referee pointing to the spot for a Bulls penalty. Joe Rusch stepped up and buried a shot into the bottom corner, making the scores 3-1 and letting the Bulls back into the contest.
The whistle sounded to end what had been a promising first-half for the Fire, with the team working hard and managing to capitalise on their scoring opportunities.
After the half time break, the Bulls began to find some momentum and managed a few shots on goal, but the Fire’s defence was looking solid. Greig Henslee was showing his usual tenacity, blocking shots from Nathan Bird and George Koroma.
As the two teams settled into the second half, genuine chances were difficult to come by. Many players were losing their footing on the increasingly slippery pitch, and plays were breaking down in the final third. On 67 minutes, a shot from distance by Holmes looked destined to go in the top corner, but Serafin tipped it over for a corner kick.
The corner was swung in, and a defensive header fell for Henslee, who mishit a volley that nevertheless flew over a tangle of bodies and bounced into the goal.
The Fire were back out to a three goal lead, and looked to bury the contest with another goal. Substitute Sam Knight won the ball on the right flank with a well-timed challenge, before moving in on goal and missing narrowly with a low shot.
As full time approached, FNQ looked to have scored a second through Josh DeNittis, but the goal was disallowed for offside. David Ruiz went close in injury time for the visitors, but couldn’t keep his shot down as it flew over the bar.
The final whistle sounded for an encouraging 4-1 victory for the Sunshine Coast Fire, an important win in the context of the season and another vital step towards the HQSL Premiership.
Andy Watson was the interim coach for the Fire in the absence of Aston Bell, and was pleased to see the team bounce back to winning form.
“The team looked good out there, particularly in the first half. When we played the ball wide, we looked really dangerous, and most of the opportunities that we created came from wide on the pitch. We carried the intensity shown against the Roar into the match today, and thankfully took our chances when we had them.”
Next week the Fire will be looking to put together back-to-back wins when they travel to take on QAS. Kickoff is at 7pm on Saturday, July 10 at Meakin Park in Slacks Creek.
Final Score – Sunshine Coast – 4 (Holmes, 5, Delahunty, 29, Blackman, 37, Henslee, 67)
FNQ Bulls – 1 (Rusch (pen), 40)
