Round 2 Preview - Fire v Razorbacks

With three points in the bag after Round 1 of the QSL, the Sunshine Coast Fire will be looking to add to their tally this weekend when the boys take the long trip north to Townsville for a date with the North Queensland Razorbacks.

Although last weekend’s clash with the Brisbane Strikers will not go down as a classic encounter between the two sides, the Fire came away on the right end of the 1-0 scoreline. With fluid and attacking football a priority for the 2011 season, the Fire will be hopeful that positive results follow suit.

It didn’t take the North Queensland Razorbacks anything like as long to open their scoring account for 2011, with four first-half goals scored in their match with the Bundaberg Spirit. The Razorbacks made light work of their opponents, adding a fifth goal in the second half to record a 5-0 thumping. 

The Razorbacks will no doubt be full of confidence after their big win, and returning to their home ground at Brolga Park will only add to their hopes of causing an upset against the 2010 champions.

In 2010, the two teams played out a number of important fixtures. The Razorbacks pushed the Fire to the brink of defeat when the teams last met, in the 2010 QSL Preliminary Final. It took two goals in extra-time to finally see off the Razorbacks on that occasion, with the Fire going on to triumph in the Grand Final.

It was also the Razorbacks who handed the Fire their first loss in 2010, winning in Round 13 to bring a halt to the Fire’s winning streak of 12 consecutive games.

Kick-off for the Round 2 match will be at 7pm on Saturday, March 19 at Brolga Park in Townsville.

As for the Fire’s youth teams, the Under-19s will travel to take on the Gold Coast on Saturday, and the Gympie Fire will host the Logan Strikers on Sunday afternoon.

Round 1 Senior Match Report: Strikers v Fire

 A late strike from Ryan Delahunty has assured the Sunshine Coast Fire a winning start to the 2011 season, as the Fire pipped the Brisbane Strikers 1-0 at Perry Park on Saturday night.

In an identical scoreline to 2010’s successful Grand Final, the Fire took home all three points after Delahunty’s tidy finish on 75 minutes, just when the game looked likely to end scoreless.

Former players Ryan Smith and Leon Dwyer were in the starting eleven for the trip to Brisbane, and were joined by new signings Dylan Roberts and Takanori Sato. Smith and Sato formed a tall central defensive partnership, as Greig Henslee pushed up into midfield alongside Tyson Holmes.

The game started at a noticeably slower pace than is typical for a clash between the two sides, as each team eased into the game. The Fire seemed content to hold possession and build through low passes, a priority for the 2011 season.

This clean build-up play almost yielded dividends on 11 minutes, when a pass from Sato found Aaron Brazendale on 20 yards, who turned to shoot. Brazendale’s strike took a heavy deflection off a defender, leaving Brendan White floundering in the Striker’s goal, but the ball narrowly missed the target.  

The Fire continued to look the more fluent side early on, as Shaun Blackman flicked a header to Leon Dwyer inside the penalty area on 17 minutes. Dwyer’s shot was blocked by White, but Brazendale was on hand to tuck home the rebound, although the flag was already up for offside.

Although the Strikers were finding their share of possession, genuine chances were hard to come by. Skipper Chay Hews showed expert close control to get a shot on goal from the edge of the area, with Antony Hall at full stretch to make the save. Matt Christensen had a chance of his own soon after, but his free-kick from 20 yards was narrowly off target.

The half-time whistle sounded with neither side able to stamp their authority on the contest, leaving spectators wondering where the opening goal was going to come from.

After the goalless opening stanza, both sides looked to increase their application in the second half. For the Fire, Brazendale chased a loose ball to the byline and managed a shot on goal, but put his effort wide. Soon after, strong work in the attacking third gave Sam Knight an opportunity, but White made a comfortable save.

As the Strikers began to assert themselves in their attacking half, they went very close to breaking the deadlock when Ben Griffin connected with a powerful header following a corner. Fortunately for the Sunshine Coast, Griffin’s header slammed into the crossbar and was hacked to safety.

With full time approaching and no breakthrough on the horizon, Richard Hudson looked to inject some pace into the contest, replacing James Stinson and Aaron Brazendale with Kota Shibahashi and Ryan Delahunty. 

A free-kick from 20 yards out almost yielded a goal for the Fire, but Tyson Holmes’ well-struck effort was tipped over the bar by Brendan White. Minutes later however, the Sunshine Coast found their long-awaited opening goal. After capitalising on a defensive error, Holmes slipped an accurate through-ball to Ryan Delahunty, who had outpaced him marker. One-on-one, Delahunty made no mistake as he beat White at his near post and gave the Fire the advantage with 15 minutes to play.

As Victor Fenehia was brought on for Sam Knight, the Sunshine Coast continued to press for a second goal. Delahunty and Holmes again combined to give Blackman an opportunity, but the effort was easy pickings for White in the Strikers goal.

With the final whistle imminent, Brisbane threw all they had at the Fire, with Jordan Mason firing a shot from distance well wide of goal. But in the end, the Strikers could only watch as the Fire notched another away victory at Perry Park, and a handy three points to kick-start the side’s title defence.

New coach Richard Hudson was pleased to notch three points on the road, in a game that could well have ended scoreless.

“It was the sort of game we’d have been disappointed with a draw, because of the chances we did create and didn’t finish. We were resolute in defence, it was the sort of game that was there to be won, and I’m glad we came away with the three points ... the players are enjoying the way we’re performing, but the season is not a sprint, it’s a long haul.” 

The next challenge for the Fire will be a road trip to face the North Queensland Razorbacks. Kickoff will be at 7pm on Saturday March 19, at Brolga Park in Townsville.

Sunshine Coast Fire – 1 (Delahunty, 75)

Brisbane Strikers - 0

2011 Fire Squad

Antony Hall

James Stinson

Alex Henderson

Takanori Sato

Greig Henslee (VC)

Dylan Roberts

Kota Shibahashi

Shaun Blackman

Tyson Holmes (C)

Leon Dwyer

Sam Knight

Aaron Brazendale

Ryan Smith

Ryan Delahunty

Victor Fenehia

Judd Molea

Jason Hicks

Round 1 Under -19 Match Report: Strikers v Fire

The spoils were shared at Perry Park on Saturday night, as the Sunshine Coast Fire and Brisbane Strikers fought out a 0-0 stalemate in Round 1.

Although the new look Fire side rarely looked troubled in defence and won plenty of possession, the boys couldn’t break the deadlock and had to settle for a single point.

Of the seven new faces joining the squad this season, Andy Harrison, Beau Lyle, Andrew Gillen and Joshua Atkinson were starters for the opening fixture.

It was an unusually sedate opening to the game, as both sides worked their way into the contest at their own pace. With both sides struggling to break into their attacking third, the Strikers almost grabbed the opening goal on five minutes, when a speculative effort was well saved by Sam Nickolls.

As both sides began to click, it was the Fire with the better of the opening exchanges. Luke Lewis outpaced his marker on the right flank and sped down the touchline, before delivering an early cross that just eluded Andy Harrison. Soon after, Josh Taylor’s powerful drive from the edge of the area was well parried by the Strikers keeper.

The best chance of the game came on 15 minutes, when Kaine Frew gained possession and beat the last defender, before shooting over the bar on his left foot. With the play camped in the Strikers defensive half, a free-kick from Josh Atkinson went very close to finding the top corner.

With Brisbane rarely threatening in attack, Taylor forced a great save when his piercing volley following a corner looked certain to find the net on 30 minutes.

The established centre-half pair of Rhys Roberts and captain Rob McNicol was effectively containing the Strikers attack. Roberts timed a sliding challenge well to deny a scoring opportunity after 35 minutes. Soon after, Alex Winters broke through the defence for the Strikers, but missed the target from close range.

Half time came with the match delicately poised, and both sides struggling to transition effectively into attack. There was an increase in tempo as the second half got underway.

With the match beginning to open up, Nick Roth got on the end of a neat pass but put his shot over the bar. Although the Fire were looking to gel better as the match wore on, neither side was able to manufacture many clear cut chances. Frew did well to get on the end of a cross from substitute Brad Wallace, but was adjudged to have fouled the keeper.

Frew was again involved when Taylor hit him with an accurate through-pass, but the keeper was alive to the danger and cleared to safety.With full-time approaching, Beau Lyle found himself in space on the left flank and dribbled into the penalty area, but struck a powerful shot wide of the right post.

After 90 minutes, neither side was able to find the net and the players had to settle for the stalemate. It was a very different result to the corresponding fixture last year, which ended in a 6-4 victory to Brisbane.

Although a slightly disappointing result, there were some positive signs from the Under-19’s as they look to build on the success of last season. The next challenge for the boys will be getting past the Gold Coast 16s next week, when the sides meet up in Round 2 of the HQSYL.

Sunshine Coast Fire – 0

Brisbane Strikers – 0

2011 Fire Squad

Sam Nickolls

Andrew Gillen

Beau Lyle

Bradley Wallace

Joe McMahon

Luke Lewis

Kaine Frew

James Verdin

Nicholas Ford

Joshua Taylor

Rhys Roberts

Andy Harrison

Nicholas Roth

Nicholas Pointon

Rob McNicol

Mitchell Broom

Joshua Atkinson

Hear from our new Under-19 coach, Paul Edwards

As the Fire continues to focus heavily on youth development, a new face has joined our ranks to guide the Under-19 side in 2011.

With Andy Watson unavailable to coach this season due to work commitments, Paul Edwards has stepped into the breach to mentor the Under-19s.

A fixture in Sunshine Coast youth football in previous years, Paul works as a Development and Talent Identification Coach at Kawana Waters State College, and is preparing for a busy 2011 with these commitments, as well as coaching the Under-19s.

“We have had a record intake this year (at Kawana) and it is our busiest time settling in our young secondary school players, implementing programs and setting goals for the year. I’m also working with Years 5-7 at the school’s primary campus.”

Paul has also been involved with Kawana Football Club, coaching in various roles over the past three years.

With the 2011 season now only weeks away, the Under-19s are finalising their preparations for another long campaign, hoping to build on the success of last season.

Despite suffering a heavy injury toll late in 2010, the boys rallied to qualify for the Grand Final and prevailed over QAS to claim the Championship. Paul is confident the quality is present for the Fire to have another strong season in 2011.

“After a very successful season with Andy Watson the morale is high in the team. The standard is very good, and the final team selection was one of the hardest football decisions I have made so far in my coaching career,” Paul said.

 With a lot of new faces joining the Fire for the 2011 season, Paul has been made to feel right at home since joining the club a few short weeks ago.

“In my short time here, it has been a pleasure to work in a professional football environment, with new Director of Coaching Richard Hudson.  The club has made me feel very welcome as I join the football family at the Sunshine Coast Fire.”

Finals place booked for Fire in Clem Jones Shield

Sunshine Coast FC has confirmed a place in the Clem Jones Shield final, after a scoreless draw with the Gold Coast Stars in Round 3. The Fire will again meet the Brisbane Strikers, who held us to a 1-1 draw in Round 2 of the Shield. The two sides will play off for a $5000 winners purse, and the psychological advantage as the QSL season approaches. Kick-off for the final will be at 7pm on Saturday, February 26, at Meakin Park in Slacks Creek.

Fire kick off Clem Jones Shield campaign with a win

Preparations for the 2011 QSL season took another step in the right direction on Saturday night, as the Fire toughed out a 4-2 result over Southern Cross United. Shaun Blackman bagged a hat-trick, and Aaron Brazendale chipped in with the other goal.

The Clem Jones Shield continues this Sunday, as the Fire again travel to Meakin Park in Slacks Creek, this time to take on the Brisbane Strikers. The Strikers were held to a 1-1 draw against the Gold Coast Stars in their last match, and will be looking for revenge for their 2010 Grand Final defeat. Kick-off is at 4pm.

Hear from the Fire's new Director of Coaching, Richard Hudson

In an effort to expand our coaching operations for the upcoming season, the Sunshine Coast Fire has introduced a full-time Director of Coaching position for the 2011 campaign.

Richard Hudson was recently appointed to the position. Hudson has acted as a senior coach locally, guiding the Coolum Dolphins and Noosa Lions in previous years, and also possesses overseas experience in managing football academies. 

Although coaching the senior team will be a major priority for Hudson, providing new opportunities for young players will also be an important aspect.

“We are looking at forming an elite youth academy for all ages, as well as holding coaching clinics here and overseas. The job will also involve overseeing the Under-19 Fire side, as well as the Gympie Fire,” Hudson said.

With the Fire gearing up for a title defence, much of Hudson’s focus thus far has been on preparing and selecting the senior squad for 2011, and getting accustomed to the club. 

“My experience with the Fire has been excellent to this point. We have some great talent pushing for selection in the senior team, although we haven't yet whittled the squad down completely.”

“All the signs so far point to a successful season.”

Hudson’s job will also involve furthering the Fire’s brand overseas, with coaching clinics to be held in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

The expansion of the Fire brand into the South Pacific, as well as the club’s links with Japanese football could generate international prospects for the Fire’s young squad members.

“It’s all about increasing opportunities for our players - there will be an international pathway available for those players who put their hand up,” Hudson said.

In the short term, preparing the Fire for the upcoming HQSL season is top priority. The Clem Jones Shield will be contested in February, a four team pre-season tournament where the Fire will do battle with old foes the Brisbane Strikers, as well as new teams in the Gold Coast Stars and Southern Cross United.

The competition will be a good chance to see the new teams in action before the season proper kicks off on March 12.

Our first Shield fixture is against Southern Cross United, and will take place on Saturday, February 5 at Meakin Park in Slacks Creek. Kick-off is set for 6pm.

2011 HQSL Draw

The 2011 Hyundai Queensland State League Draw has just been released, and the Fire are in for a tough early run with away trips to face the Brisbane Strikers, North Queensland Razorbacks and QAS in the opening three rounds. The Sunshine Coast will host new teams Southern Cross United and the Gold Coast Stars in Rounds 4 and 6 respectively.

2011 will be a shorter season than 2010 at 18 rounds, with teams playing each of their competitors twice in the regular season. There will be much interest in the Round 1 Grand Final rematch, with the Strikers facing off with the Fire on March 12 at Perry Park.

See below for the Fire's full draw.

 

Date	Kick-Off	Round	Home Team	Away Team
Sat 12th March	7pm	1	Brisbane Strikers	Sunshine Coast FC
Sat 19th March	7pm	2	NQ Razorbacks	Sunshine Coast FC
Sat 26th March	6pm	3	QAS	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 3rd April	2pm	4	Sunshine Coast FC	Southern Cross
Sat 9th April	8pm	5	FNQ Bulls	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 17th April	2pm	6	Sunshine Coast FC	Gold Coast Stars
Sat 30th  April	7pm	7	Capricorn Cougars	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 8th  May	2pm	8	Sunshine Coast FC	Whitsunday
Sat 14th May	7pm	9	Bundaberg Spirit	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 22nd May	2pm	10	Sunshine Coast FC	Brisbane Strikers
Sun 29th May	2pm	11	Sunshine Coast FC	NQ Razorbacks
Sun 5th June	2pm	12	Sunshine Coast FC	QAS
Sun 19th June	3pm	13	Southern Cross	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 25th June	2pm	14	Sunshine Coast FC	FNQ Bulls
Sun 3rd July	2pm	15	Gold Coast Stars	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 10th July	2pm	16	Sunshine Coast FC	Capricorn Cougars
Sat 16th July	7pm	17	Whitsunday	Sunshine Coast FC
Sun 24th July	2pm	18	Sunshine Coast FC	Bundaberg Spirit