Sunday afternoon will see the third match in three weeks between the Sunshine Coast Fire and Brisbane Strikers, as the two sides once again clash with a home Grand Final on the line.
The Strikers snatched the advantage in the first leg with a 2-1 win in a pulsating game at Perry Park, and the Fire must overturn this result to earn a home Grand Final. If Brisbane come out on top, the Fire will need to win a knockout Preliminary Final to qualify for the final.
The opening minutes will be more important than ever, as an early goal to the Fire will put them in front under the away goals rule.
Last week’s first leg was a game of few chances, as both sides tackled and defended with intensity. Brisbane hit the front after an hour of play, before Tyson Holmes hit back with a superb free-kick to level the score. Just when it looked like the Fire would escape with a draw, the Strikers scored an injury time winner to take an advantage into the second leg.
Although Richard Hudson has had a full squad to pick from for most of the season, injuries and illness to key players are beginning to take their toll, as he said after the midweek friendly against Gold Coast United.
“Tyson Holmes picked up a cork very early in the game, we’ll monitor him during the week. Jason Hicks seemed to get through okay. Ryan Smith didn’t make the game today, we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
The Fire are not alone in their injury woes; the Strikers had only 11 senior players to choose from in last week’s game, and relied on Under-19s players to fill their substitutes bench.
In the absence of leading scorer Matt Thurtell, Sean Burke had stepped up for the Strikers. With three goals in his last two games against the Fire, the Sunshine Coast defence will be keeping a close eye on him.
Kick-off for the second leg is set for 2pm on Sunday, August 14, and will be followed by the Under-19 Fire taking on their Brisbane Strikers counterparts in a catch-up match. The Fire currently sit four point clear atop the HQSYL table, and victory would likely clinch the Premiership for the Fire, who have ground out win after win in the latter part of the season. Kick-off is set for 4pm, directly after the seniors game.
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