Round 13 marked the mid-way point of the NPL Queensland season and saw plenty of change on the table as teams start to plan their charge for finals positions.
Round 13 marked the mid-way point of the NPL Queensland season and saw plenty of change on the table as teams start to plan their charge for finals positions.
Sunshine Coat Fire has continued their charge up the NPL QLD ladder overcoming a resilient SWQ Thunder 3-1 in an enthralling encounter at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday.
The now fifth placed Fire opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Matt Needham latched onto the end of some quality Ryan Delahunty build up play.
Thunder drew level just after the break when Ryan Ensor scored the team-s first goal in nine matches.
Thunder were then caught on the counter attack by Sunshine Coast striker Futa Nakamura who scored a brace to douse any hopes of a draw for the home side.
Thunder is still left winless and at the bottom of the table, but have the bye next weekend to recuperate at the halfway point of the season.
Palm Beach Sharks have gone seven points clear on the ladder and maintained their unbeaten streak after defeating Redlands United 4-2 at Mallawa Complex on Saturday evening.
Playing in wet conditions didn-t dampen the scoring for either side, going into the break a goal apiece.
Redlands gained the lead through Nico Bechar in the 58th minute before the visitors were reduced to ten men; goal scorer Russell Woodruffe was given his marching orders for a second cautionable offence.
Palm Beach made the most of their numerical advantage with tied leading goal scorer Chris Lucas slotting home three quick fire goals to seize the points.
The loss extends Redlands winless streak to eight matches and drops them to eighth on the table.
Brisbane Roar NYL have returned to the winners circle for the first time in three rounds after travelling to Ipswich to secure the three points against Western Pride 1-0 at Briggs Road Sporting Complex on Saturday night.
The home side-s defenses were breached after just six minutes, when Shelford Dais showed some individual skill to slot home from close range.
Roar continued to push for a second, but met strong opposition from Pride who were battling to restore parity.
The win sees Roar tied on points with second placed Moreton Bay, while Pride-s third straight defeat keeps them in twelfth.
FNQ FC heat has managed to hold out Harimau Muda ‘A- after going a man down to win 2-0 at Barlow Park, Cairns on Saturday night.
The home side managed to withstand opening pressure from the Malaysian team to go a goal up when Charlie Beverley headed in after 25 minutes.
Matt Murphy doubled the lead prior to the break after Mgondisi Nkiwane drew out goalkeeper Damian Lim Chien Khai.
The game turned to defence for the home side finishing the match with ten men after Jake Keslake received his second yellow card.
The win is heat-s fourth in a row and moves them level on points with Harimau on the table.
Moreton Bay Jets have suffered their second defeat in as many rounds, losing on the road 4-2 to Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park on Sunday.
An emphatic opening 45 minutes marked Strikers intentions, hammering four goals past goalkeeper Mario Aparicio.
Jackson Hall struck in the opening minute, while goals to Greg King, Mat Thurtell, and Dan Partridge all but sealed the points by halftime.
Moreton Bay managed to restore some respectability, pegging two goals back in the final ten minutes.
The win elevates Strikers into fifth spot on the league ladder, while Moreton Bay have been dragged back into the pack, only holding onto second spot by goal difference.
A second half hat-trick to Rueban Way has helped Olympic to romp home against Northern Fury at Townsville Sporting Complex on Sunday.
Olympic secured their 6th win of season with a dominate second half display which included a quick fire hat-trick to Reuban Way during a devastating 12 minute period.
Terry Hughes started the goal scoring two minutes into the second half beating Chris Figg to be one on one with Northern-s keeper.
The three points moves Olympic into fourth overall while Northern Fury are stuck back in 11th spot.
Image courtesy of FNQ FC Heat