Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Stathi Mihalis
Images: Kristen Mathiesen

Two late goals from Jonathon Bagley has delivered Northern Fury their first win of 2016 – downing local community club Rebels FC 2-0 in the Westfield FFA Cup.

Fury saw the better of the contest for extended periods against their third-tier opponents but clear cut chances proved scarce before Bagley headed home twice from set-pieces entering the final quarter hour.

The result marks Fury’s first competitive win of 2016 – and first clean sheet - following an eight match losing streak in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

It also concludes Rebels best return in the national knock-out competition from three attempts as they now focus on the North Queensland Premier Men's competition.

Fury next face PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues league leaders FNQ Heat in Cairns in the Westfield FFA Cup Preliminary Round 6 - the third straight year the clubs have met in the national knock-out tournament.

Key Moments

4’ - CHANCE FOR FURY – An ineffective defensive clearance from Rebels sees Jonathon Bagley take possession, he slides it in behind for Michael Eisenhut but the striker drags his effort wide

36’ – CHANCE FOR REBELS – A ball over the top from Pandeli Mihalis sets up Kristian Vecchio one-on-one with Fury goalkeeper Luke McDonald, but the effort is miscued resulting in a simple save

42’ – CHANCE FOR FURY – Matthew Richards tees up Sam Herlihy at the top of the box but his first time shot is over the crossbar

50’ – CHANCE FOR FURY – Bagley cleverly picks out Richards’ cunning diagonal run, but the chances goes begging as the shot is sent high and wide

58’ – CHANCE FOR REBELS – Vecchio makes a run to the byline before cutting back to Jacob Hurney, but the timid shot fails to find the target

75’ – GOAL FOR FURY – A deep-corner from Herlihy is powerfully headed home by Bagley with a strong run at the back post

78’ – GOAL FOR FURY – Bagley is again the target at the back-post from Herlihy’s free-kick and he again makes good with the header to seal his brace

What They Said

“It’s out first win for the season and, even though it’s a Townsville Premier League side, they still did well and it’s good to get into winning ways. We kept possession and dominated the game for most of it and we will take that away as well.“ – Corey Waples, Northern Fury FC captain

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Preliminary Round 5

Wednesday, April 27
Brolga Park, Townsville

Rebels FC – 0
Northern Fury FC – 2 (Jonathon BAGLEY 75’ 78’)

CLICK HERE for the official Westfield FFA Cup Match Centre