Hyundai Queensland State League – Round Eighteen
Brisbane Strikers v Sunshine Coast Fire
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Staff Reporter – Kane Frampton
The Sunshine Coast Fire could return home from Perry Park this weekend as HQSL Premiers, with the Fire needing only a draw against the second-placed Brisbane Strikers to clinch their second title.
The equation is simple – deny the Strikers of a win, and the Fire’s competition lead will be insurmountable with three rounds to go. But if the Strikers get the three points, the Fire will need to win one of their remaining three fixtures to finish the job.
There is no task more difficult for the Fire than a trip to Perry Park to take on Brisbane. After some inconsistent performances earlier in the season, the Strikers are in the midst of a late season hot-streak, winning their past four matches and netting 18 times in the process. Victory for either side would be an important psychological boost as the finals get closer.
With the strike partnership of Sean Burke and Golden Boot leader Matt Thurtell firing on all cylinders, and a potent midfield contingent with players such as Chay Hews and Michael Angus, the Fire’s defence will be in for a busy evening.
As for the Sunshine Coast, their recent form makes for impressive reading as well. Notching comfortable wins over the FNQ Bulls, QAS and the Capricorn Cougars, the Fire have scored 11 and conceded two in the past three games. The Fire are beginning to turn the heads of A-League recruiters, with midfielder Tyson Holmes on the radar of the North Queensland Fury after performing well in a training camp for the A-League expansion club.
Fullback James Stinson is a chance to return to the starting line-up for this week’s match, and the side will also need to find cover on the left side of the park for Corey Towle, who was suspended for picking up two yellow cards last week.
The Fire have had the wood over the Strikers in their two meetings this season, recording a 3-2 win at Perry Park in Round 4, and a 2-1 victory in Kawana in Round 11. Both matches have been quality contests, and those making the trip to Perry Park this Saturday will be expecting a hard-fought encounter.
Kick-off for the season-defining Round 18 match will be at 7pm on Saturday July 24, and will be preceded by the clubs Under-19 sides doing battle at 4.45pm.
With the Fire tasting defeat in their last two Youth League fixtures, they will need to be on the top of their game to knock off the league-leading Strikers. But with the Strikers coming off a 1-1 draw against South West Queensland, they may be vulnerable against a Fire side hell-bent on returning to the winners circle.
