Round 15 Preview - Fire v Gold Coast Stars

As the race for the QSL Premiership enters the final stretch, every match is vital for the Sunshine Coast Fire. Dethroned from top spot in the competition, the Fire will look to recover with victory over the Gold Coast Stars on Sunday.

The Far North Queensland Bulls handed the Fire their first loss of the season last week, and the Brisbane Strikers took full advantage to take top spot on the QSL ladder, albeit having played an extra game.

The Fire conceded three goals in a horror first half against FNQ, and despite battling valiantly in the second half still went down 3-2 to the Bulls. Since moving to Sunshine Coast Stadium in Round 12, the Fire’s form has stagnated and it is crucial that the side turns this around against the Gold Coast to keep hopes of winning a third Premiership alive.

The Gold Coast Stars sit in fourth position on the ladder, with 5 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses so far. After comfortably accounting for Bundaberg and Capricorn in previous weeks, the Stars suffered a 4-3 loss away against the North Queensland Razorbacks last round, in a game where they were reduced to 10 men in the first half. The Stars will be coming off a bye this week, and will be fresh to tackle the Fire on Sunday.

Round 6 was when the two teams last met, when the Fire prevailed over the Stars with a 3-0 scoreline. The Stars played an aggressive style of football during that visit and attempted to muscle the Fire out of the contest, but to no avail as they failed to repel the Coast’s potent attack.

With both teams coming off of narrow losses and desperate to avoid losing ground on the ladder, this Round Fifteen clash could make or break each team’s season. Kickoff is set for 2pm, on Sunday July 3.

Both of the Fire’s Under-19 teams are also in action this weekend, with the Sunshine Coast Under-19s taking on the Gold Coast Stars youth side. The Fire were held to a frustrating draw last round, and are themselves battling with the Brisbane Strikers for top spot on the ladder. Their match will kick off directly after the senior’s game at 4pm. As for the Gympie Fire, the boys will host the Brisbane Strikers at One Mile Ovals, in a game that could have a telling impact on the finals picture. Kickoff for that match is at 3pm on Saturday, July 2.