Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Doug Larsen
Image: Joy Tomkins

Sunshine Coast FC have consigned their Westfield FFA Cup hoodoo to the history books with a 2-1 win over Woombye Snakes.

Kobe Fuller and Jeremy Stewart each struck their first goals of the 2016 season to help Fire establish a two goal buffer in the first half.

However, the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club found themselves on the back foot through much of the second stanza as they weathered a fightback from the hosts.

Joel Alderson pulled a goal back prior to the hour, however a determined defensive effort from the visitors ultimately prevailed in front of a boisterous local crowd at the venue colloquially known as ‘The Snakepit’.

The win is Fire’s first ever in the Westfield FFA Cup at their third attempt, and sets up a tie against of next week’s Wide Bay zone fixture between third-tier outfits Kawungan Sandy Straits Jets and United Park Eagles.

For Woombye, who now return to continue their McDonald’s Premier Men’s Premiership defence, the result ends their best ever return in the Westfield FFA Cup.

Key Moments

7’ – GOAL FOR FIRE – A poor clearance from Woombye defender Mark Polley turns over possession which results in Kobe Fuller being played through one-on-one with Snakes goalkeeper Daniel White

34’ – CHANCE FOR SNAKES – Curling free-kick from 25 yards is met by the head of Luke Alderson but the effort is just off target

41’ – GOAL FOR FIRE – A fast break down the left sees Schoichi Koshimizu hold the ball up before finding the surging Jeremy Stewart, who slots a low finish to double the advantage

44’ – CHANCE FOR FIRE – A long throw into a crowded penalty area sees the ball directed toward goal amidst the traffic but White makes a sharp save

56’ – GOAL FOR SNAKES – Joel Couacoud gets forward following a clever switch of play before delivering in a low cross for Alderson to tuck away from the six-yard box

79’ – CHANCE FOR SNAKES – A floated cross from Couacoud is directed towards goal but Fire goalkeeper Samuel Nickolls is up to task

90+2’ – CHANCE FOR SNAKES – A late chance for the hosts to force extra time after Paul Mikula tangles with Alderson just outside the penalty area, however the resulting free-kick from Couacoud is straight at Nickolls

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Preliminary Round 5
Tuesday, April 26
Woombye Snakes Football Club, Sunshine Coast

Woombye Snakes FC – 1 (Luke ALDERSON 56’)
Sunshine Coast FC – 2 (Kobe FULLER 7’, Jeremy STEWART 41’)

CLICK HERE for the official Westfield FFA Cup Match Centre

Referee – Albert KRAUSE
Assistant – Tarran RICHARDS
Assistant – Ben COOK
Fourth – Michael BURLONE