After being crowned premiers of the Under 18 Boys NPL competition, the Fire were keen win their semi-final for a shot at the taking out the double in the Grand Final.
However, it was Brisbane City who came away victorious with a 2-0 score line reminiscent of the First Team’s game against City the previous night.
Coach Paul Arnison said despite losing this semi-final he could not have been more proud of his players this season.
“We were the best team on the day but couldn’t convert our chances,” he said.
The first half was tight as the Fire played with intensity, forcing the City goalkeeper to pull off two miraculous saves from Corey Dodson strikes.
At half-time the score remained 0-0 with neither team able to gain a foothold.
“I told the boys if we get one goal or they make one mistake we will win this game,” Arnison said.
He was spot on, however unfortunately the mistake came from the Fire when a poor touch in the midfield resulted in the ball falling to a City player. He played it over the top for a forward to run in between the Fire’s Steven Lawrance and Jared Moore to finish past Fire goal keeper Damien Cox.
With ten minutes to go and a goal behind, the Fire piled on the pressure to try and equalise. The Fire won a corner and Arnison instructed all the boys to get in the box except Damien and Caleb McInnes. The corner came agonisingly close as a goal mouth scramble saw Josh Ives’ shot saved and cleared down field. City then hit the Fire on the break to get a second killer goal at the final whistle.
“The boys were gutted but I can’t fault their efforts and commitment throughout the entire season,” Arnison said.
“As a group they have been the best team all season as the league table says, so to finish Premiers is a great team effort.”
“I want to thank every one of the boys; they have represented the Fire extremely well and should be proud of themselves.”
“I also want to thank Geoff Cox who has given his time and effort every week, and Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans and all the staff who work behind the scenes – thank you I’ve really loved being part of the Under 18s and the Club this season.”
