Under 12 Boys
Brisbane City (3) v Sunshine Coast Fire (3)
A visit to Brisbane City – a team who hadn’t dropped a point so far, and were sitting at the top of the ladder. Fire coming into the game in good form. Very windy conditions made the game a tricky one for all players. A beautifully-observed minutes silence to remember the fallen soldiers and the game started at a high tempo.
Fire started well, working hard in BPO and pressurizing City. The game was high tempo and both teams looked to play good football. And this pace stayed throughout the match.
Lomardo with a taste for goals after last week nearly grabbing an identical goal at the same point in the match on 3 mins…so nearly scoring from an early corner, but a good save
The intensity paid off for Fire on 8 mins. Patterson tackling a City defender and breaking into their half. Good acceleration with control past the city player before calmly beating the GK (1v0, 8 mins)
City played some good football and were comfortable in possession. They knocked the ball from defence through midfield keeping the ball. But there was little between the teams as Fire matched City playing a good brand also.
City’s first goal was similar to Fire’s with a good run and finish. Fire defence a little flat and very high and City capitalized with a good through ball. Citys forward raced onto it before finishing nicely (1v1, 15 mins)
City hit again soon after, with Fire looking rattled after the first. The ball fell to City who shot from outside the box, beating Salih to his left (1v2, 18 mins)
Good work from the City winger who created their 3rd. Nice skills before squaring the ball to find us outnumbered in the box and their free man had time to finish easily. Need to work on marking and covering. (1v3, 26mins)
It wasn’t one-way traffic though. Fire kept trying to use the ball whenever they had it. They were asked to try to get the ball wide more (after being a little narrow against SWQ thunder) and wingers Debbage, Smith and Law did well and they saw a lot of the ball. Gaske looking dangerous at #10.
It was one of these moves which gave Fire their 2nd goal. The ball played from the back to midfield. Camm and Rzoska did well working the ball wide to young Debbage who opened up nicely before taking on the LB… and as he approached the box and still some way out, unleashed an unstoppable shot which sailed with power on the wind into the top corner. A spectacular and intended finish (2v3, 28 mins and HT)
The boys were upbeat at HT. They knew they had competed well and were confident of a good 2H. Just some tweaks at the back, continued confidence and continue trying to keep the ball using the skills and patterns we have worked on and we would be in with a good chance of taking this game. They went over the white line with real belief in the stomachs
And so it was. The next 30 mins saw Fire on top, spending most of the half in the City half, swinging the stats in favour of SCFC. The defence looked strong and the midfielders took control, and the wingers had a lot of success against the City FBs. The City GK was called into action numerous time. Free kicks came and went, as did corners. The City defence played well with their CBs looking good.
City looked dangerous at times, but the 2H belonged to the Fire.
But it took a while for the deserved equalizer to come. Debbage alert, intercepting a pass from the GK, and he drove the ball home past the oncoming GK (3v3, 28 mins, full time)
City may feel that they could have won being 2 minutes away from keeping their perfect start. We feel we could have won after such a good 2H display and after having more possession%, more passes, more pass-string completions and more shots. But a draw was probably a fair result.
The City coach described us as the best team they have played, which always means a lot to hear. I think I watched a very good game of football between 2 quality teams
Another good step today, which we need to back up over the forthcoming games.
Player of the Match – Jake Debbage – looked dangerous throughout the game. Good Running with the ball skills and 1v1 skills today. Good positioning wide and movement. 2 quality goals.
Under 13 Boys
Brisbane City (4) v Sunshine Coast Fire (5)
This was to be billed as a showpiece game and top of the table clash between two strong unbeaten teams promising to make it a high intensity match.
In difficult windy conditions the first half ebbed and flowed with both teams attacking and creating chances. Brisbane City played confidently out of defence mounting attacks down both flanks utilising their fast wingers. This resulted in City’s first goal, a strong run into the box from the left by Crethary who placed his shot past the approaching Fire keeper. Stenhouse made a great effort to clear the ball off the line but the linesman ruled the ball had crossed the line! Sunshine Coast Fire battled in midfield to control the game but struggled to make much impression early on and were often second best turning the play over. As the game settled Fire gradually dragged themselves into the match with higher pressing by the strikers and midfield. Fire were rewarded with two quick goals in three minutes. The first resulted from a pass played into left channel of box to Jack Beardsley, whose squared a pass across the face of the goal, which was deflected into the net by a City defender for an own goal. The second came from high pressing by the Fire forward line, which pushed the ball-playing City defenders into a mistake. Jacob Smith pounced and intercepted a weak pass and dispatched a brilliant shot into the roof of the net from close range at the end of the first half to take a 2-1 lead into half time.
The second half was set for a tough battle as both teams traded blows resulting in six goals shared between two quality teams. The first goal of the half came from a retaken City penalty after only two minutes. The initial penalty was saved brilliantly by Fire keeper, Lucas Terpcou, but he was adjudged to have moved, which was a very harsh decision! City made no mistake with the retake. The Fire responded quickly to take back the lead with an excellent goal from Luke Varga, which came from a swirling free kick delivered into the box by Brodie Boyce. The ball deflected off the centre half’s head into the path of Varga, who then hit a fantastic half volley with the outside of his boot past a stationery City keeper. This lead was short-lived when City were rewarded with a second penalty, Plusnin stepping up to score his second and make it 3-3. The Fire then kicked into gear and started to control the final quarter of the match with more productive work through the midfield and wide areas. The result was two quick goals by Jack Beardsley, the fourth coming from strong play down the left wing by Callum Pearce who squared the ball to the unmarked Beardsley. Beardsley made no mistake slotting the ball into the left hand corner. Beardsley completed his brace receiving the ball on the edge of the box, side stepping two City defenders to fire low into the bottom left hand corner to put the game out of reach at 5-3. However, another goal by City with six minutes to go ensured the game finished with plenty of high tempo and excitement.
Fire finished 5-4 winners to extend their unbeaten run in 2015 to seven wins from seven matches to go six points clear at the top of the NPL table…
Player of the Match – Cody Pyne – a strong defensive performance with some crucial tackles against a dangerous Brisbane City strike force.
Under 13 Girls
Moreton Bay United FC (1) v Sunshine Coast Fire (0)
Backing up after taking down the ladder leaders, this game would do the girls some real confidence. Moreton Bay Jets are 4th on the Ladder. Fire is going to be very hard to defeat in the second half of the season, showing lots of potential and continue to gel as a team.
It was a loose start for the Fire, who struggled to keep the Jets from scoring early. In the 3rd minute, Moreton Bay scored their first goal from a long shot into the wind which held up and then dropped between the keeper and the cross bar.
Sunshine Coast’s defence improved from there with the girls making sure the Jets didn’t get through. The back line did their job well and defended like a wall to stop any further attempt to score from Moreton Bay. This game saw the girls’ increase their level of passing, but many did not manage to meet their mark.
The girls’ improved passing and communication saw them maintain possession for much of the second half. Although it was a much better half, the Fire was unable to capitalise and turn that possession into a goal. The Fire’s defence was on point for the entire second half and refused to let the Jets score again. The final score was 1-0 to the Moreton Bay Jets.
Player of the Match – Annie Campbell
Under 14 Boys
Brisbane City (1) v Sunshine Coast Fire (2)
It is always a high intensity clash between these two rival sides and with Brisbane City unbeaten this season and sitting on top of the Ladder; Fire was enthusiastic to take on the challenge.
Fire led out from the first minute with great intensity and was keen to win the ball. Great defending from Daniel Rouillard throughout the first half saw City players with little space and nowhere to go. The 5th minute saw a free kick to Oli Williams, but the strike went over the top of goal.
In the 6th minute, a clearance ball from Fire GK Kurt Moore-Barnard, led to a miscommunication between City GK and his defender, allowing Daniel Cuttler to get the ball and drive it into the back of the net. (0-1)
The Fire GK made a great reaction save in the 8th minute, when the ball deflected off Fire player Kaelan Debbage.
Fire then settled into the game and set the tempo. With some nice midfield play from Oli Williams and Archie Waterson, the team was creating some opportunities and knocking the ball around well. Joseph Higginson was outstanding with his intensity and desire to win the ball, which forced City into playing a defensive game.
A drinks break in the 20th minute, gave City a chance to regroup and in the 23rd minute, a scrappy ball was handed over from the Fire defence and City didn’t hesitate to strike the ball past GK Kurt Moore-Barnard and score their only goal of the match. (1-1)
The next five minutes saw some attacking play from City, but Harrison Hooper was solid in defence and showed City the line several times.
City came out with better direction in the second half and defender Harry Fletcher stopped several through balls and cleared a threatening ball that was heading into an open goal. For the first ten minutes, Fire lacked the intensity of the first half, with the wind playing havoc and several balls not finding their mark.
The 47th minute saw a Yellow Card awarded to City for a foul tackle on Oli Williams.
The wind was creating dramas for City as well, with a few free kicks in the next five minutes shooting over the top of goal. Kaelan Debbage had a shot at goal in the 54th minute, but it went just left of the post.
Sean Bentley received a Yellow Card in the 62nd minute for a foul tackle and chatting to the referee and with the game coming to a close, it looked like it would end with a draw with neither team able to find that elusive goal.
However in the 63rd minute, a sneaky shot at the top corner from City, forced GK Kurt Moore-Barnard into a top hand save that went back into play. A quick counter-attack was worked well through the midfield and given to Tom Whittaker to get around City’s right back, cut inside at a fast pace and clinically finish past the keeper into the back corner of the far post in a well timed goal that saw Fire finish 2-1 winners.
Keeping to the game plan, holding their shape and attacking the ball, allowed Fire to play a dominate game and come home with the three points in a well-deserved win.
Player of the Match: Joseph Higginson
Under 15 Boys
Brisbane City (2) v Sunshine Coast Fire (3)
On a very windy Sunday morning, Fire took early control of the match against a Brisbane City side who have struggled so far this season. Terone Wattedegara had the first of many chances after a good run and shot was saved by the City keeper.
Fire took the lead in the 12th minute after a good switch of play found Jared Schulz out wide. Jared attempted to take on the City defenders with the ball dropping to Terone Wattedegara who was able to finish calmly into the bottom corner.
On 20 minutes a Mitchell Bridge shot from distance looked destined for the top corner but the City keeper got a fingertip to it and pushed it onto the post.
Fire then took a 2-0 lead on 23 minutes after some good defensive work by Aiden Castillo saw him win possession, drive forward and unleash a 20 yard shot into the top corner.
The Fire boys had plenty more chances to increase their lead prior to half time, but were a little lazy in possession and not so clinical when the chances came.
On 36 minutes a second yellow card for Taj Suffolk saw him red carded.
Half time saw the sides head to the change rooms with Fire leading 2-0 and City yet to register a shot. Despite losing a man prior to half time, Fire continued to have the majority of possession, with Brayden Huston, Mitch Bridge and Tom Croft controlling the middle of the park.
Some good interplay between Huston and Croft set up Fire’s third goal as the two midfielders wall passed their way through the City defence with the ball being put into the net by Tom Croft.
Fire should have added to their lead with numerous chances not being taken, but in the 73rd minute the match changed complexion with a long range effort from City, their first for the day slipping under the keeper to make the score 3-1.
A few minutes later, City got a sniff of a result after a penalty was awarded for a handball inside the box.
In the end the match finished 3-2 to Fire, and although we’ll be pleased to take three points, having 19 scoring shots to 3 probably shows the game should have been won a lot more comfortably.
Player of the Match – Brayden Huston
Under 15 Girls
Moreton Bay United FC (3) v Sunshine Coast Fire (2)
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Under 16 Boys
Brisbane City (1) v Sunshine Coast Fire (3)
Despite clear blue skies the 16 Boys kicked off in blustery, windy conditions and kicked with the wind in the first half.
From the 1st minute Sean Culpitt used the wind to put Jack Bowen in behind the Brisbane City defence but Jack’s shot ballooned into the side netting for a goal kick.
In the gusty conditions City were struggling to get out of their own half as the Fire had them under pressure.
At the 6th minute mark Fire mounted an attack on the left and Kobe Fuller drew the defence away from the centre which allowed Callum Jones to receive the ball in space, he spread it to Jack Bowen on the right and Jack gave a return ball to Callum whose first touch saw him beat a defender and his strong shot found the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the Fire.
In the 10th minute Jack Bowen drove forward through the middle and found Aiden Ward on the left, who crossed back to Jack only to see the City goal keeper save Jack’s goal bound shot.
With the wind at their backs Fire kept City pinned in their own half. Fire were creating good chances and should have been rewarded with another goal after 14 minutes when Kye Yamaoka-Chapman crossed the ball from the left to Kobe Fuller who drilled a shot at goal only to see the City keeper deflect the shot onto the crossbar and the rebound fell favourably to the prone keeper who was able to hold the ball.
A minute later Callum Jones received the ball inside the penalty area beat three defenders before placing the ball inside the post for his brace. 2-0 to the Fire.
In a rare attack in the 23rd minute City were able to break in behind the Fire defence but James Beckman covering well managed to save Fire by giving away a corner.
Fire mounted numerous attacks without adding to the score. Ollie Blackmore, Addi Brader and Callum Jones were winning the midfield battle and the Fire defence was only tested again before half time when James Beckman again had to clear for a corner in the 37th minute.
The score remained 2-0 at half time and Fire went to the dressing room knowing it was to be their turn to play into the gusty wind in the second half.
From the kick off in the second half Fire went straight on the attack and in a combination of short passes between Ollie Blackmore and Addi Brader found themselves in the City penalty area. The City defence didn’t clear the danger and when the ball found Aiden Ward on the left he rifled a shot into the side netting with sufficient force to break the net bindings.
The referee stopped the game to mend the net and the players had to stand around in the blustery conditions waiting. When play resumed Fire continued their passing game making the most of the conditions, keeping the ball on the ground wherever possible.
In the 55th minute Kobe Fuller put a through ball to Matt Cann on the right who crossed into the danger zone in the City penalty area. City did not clear the danger and the ball once again found Aiden Ward on the left and he turned onto his left foot and unleashed another low hard shot which went into the net off the far post to make it 3-0 to the Fire.
Despite running with the wind in the second half City did not enjoy the territorial advantage Fire had running with the wind. Fire defence held out the limited attacks City mounted and the Fire continued to win the midfield battle.
In the 58th minute City tried a long ball from the back with the wind behind it but Sean Culpitt was able to shepherd the ball over the goal line for a goal kick from a long way out despite the close attention from the City attacker.
In the scrappiest moment of the second half Fire put themselves under pressure at the back and failed to clear the ball, which fell to a City attacker who scored to make it 3-1 in the 73rd minute. Another opportunity to keep a clean sheet was given away.
Fire were still in control and continued to play a passing game into the wind but did not create as many clear opportunities to score.
Josh Wall was only asked to make a save in the 80th minute when a City attacker got in behind the Fire defence and Josh made a sharp save at the near post to deny City a second goal.
Final score 3-1 to the Fire, the third win in a row with that final score line.
Player of the Match – Callum Jones
Under 18 Boys
Redlands United FC (0) v Sunshine Coast Fire (1)
A top of the table Sunshine Coast team traveled to a second placed Redlands team looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Sunshine Coast began the game on the front foot with midfielder Josh Chumbley playing a ball into Andre Jancevski who worked the Redlands goalkeeper. Moments later Luke Devitt released Cameron Nairn to work a shot on goal however a offside call was given. Goalkeeper Aaron Smith was again a presence in goal after sweeping up behind the back four and keeping calm under pressure. Gabriel Denis unleashed a shot from outside the box which troubled the goalkeeper. A ball over the top of the back four by Kelton Scriggins found the well timed run of Nairn who chipped the goalkeeper only for the ball to bounce around the post. Combination play between Devitt and Nairn lead to a header by Jancevski. Nikolas Taylor whipped a corner across goal only for no touch to be applied. Captain Matthew Carrick’s slip allowed Redlands a opening only for Glen Morris to track back and force a shot from a tight angle allowing Smith to save. An Injured Chumbley was replaced shortly before halftime by Jordan Irwin.
Second half commenced with combination play between Taylor, Ryan Scriggins and Jancevski to force a quickly played corner by Nairn who forces a great save by the goalkeeper. A Irwin deflected cross after combining with Nairn down the left couldn’t find R. Scriggins in the box. Fresh legs came off the bench in the form of Sean Pateman and Jordan Lloyd for Jancevski and R. Scriggins respectively. A yellow card was given to Taylor after a poorly timed challenge. Moments later a powerful drive through the centre of the pitch by Morris found Nairn who missed the chance to take the lead. Goalkeeper Smith proved a match winner in a five minute spell after a 1v1 goes unpunished after world class save with a stretched out leg, moments later a 2v2 goes unpunished. More link-up play between Nairn and Devitt ends with a shot over the bar. Poor defending allows a chance for Redlands, however they fail to take advantage. Taylor is shown a second yellow card for another poorly timed challenge, however before he can leave the field a fierce atmosphere in the ground lead to a confrontation between a couple players and multiple yellow cards were shown. In the 81’ minute Sunshine Coast scored the only goal of the game after a Carrick set-piece found Lloyd at back post who headed the ball across goal to Nairn who directed it goal wards, mass celebrations followed on field and on the bench knowing the importance of the goal. Two bookings followed in the last minute of the game for Lloyd and Irwin after heated challenges.
A hard fought 1-0 away win against a determined Redlands side was well earned after Sunshine Coast showed great fight as well as class on the ball. A match winning goal by Cameron Nairn was over shadowed by Man of the Match goalkeeper Aaron Smith whose world class save and sweeping outside the box proved pivotal in taking all three points.
Player of the Match – Aaron Smith
Youth Women
Moreton Bay United FC (0) v Sunshine Coast Fire (2)
Our girls played some really good football, creating numerous great opportunities during the match. Our defence did well to counter the Jets attacks and neutralised some really threatening moves. There were many good midfield combinations that resulted in passes through to the wings and centre. The Jets goalkeeper and defence did well to keep the score respectable.
The first goal came in the 28th minute when Brianna played a ball forward on a great angle to Madi Warren at centre forward for a fine left foot finish. The team continued to work hard against a determined Jets side in the hot and very gusty conditions and were rewarded with a second goal 10 minutes into the second half from a superb long shot from just inside the Jets half by centre back Holly Vidulich.
The result was however overshadowed by everyone’s concern for the Jets’ player who collapsed during the second half and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance. Our thoughts go out to the player, family and team mates, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Player of the Match – Kirra Guy for her hard work, composure and quality ball distribution in the midfield
