Ten Man Thunder Rolled By Easts
Words: Michael Flynn
SWQ Thunder notched a third straight pre-season defeat on Sunday, falling 4-1 to Eastern Suburbs in their opening match of the BLK Silver Boot pre-season tournament.
Former Redlands United player Ramone Close netted twice in the final five minutes at Lions FC Stadium to round out a four goal haul for the Brisbane Premier League side.
Close opened his account on 19 minutes, pouncing on a parried save from Thunder goalkeeper Michael Pike.
Chris Hewson levelled terms for Thunder on the half-hour, running on to a well-placed through ball before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home.
Parity proved short-lived, however, as Close turned in his second goal of the half six minutes later - a lead Easts maintained until the break.
Hopes of a comeback all but dissipated when Nathan Stark received a red card shortly after the restart for Thunder, however the Toowoomba-based club proved resilient to not concede again until the final stages of the match.
The final two goals mark the second time Thunder have conceded four goals this pre-season.
Thunder continue their pre-season against another Brisbane Premier League opponent, Wolves FC, next Sunday as the tournament continues.
Eastern Suburbs FC 4 (Ramone CLOSE 19’ 36’ 85’ 89’)
South West Queensland Thunder FC 1 (Chris HEWSON 30’)
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