Young Roar Relentless At Home
Words: Nilsson Jones
Images: Maisy Rae
The Young Roar have overcome an early deficit and red card to dominate Sunshine Coast Fire 7-2 at home.
AJ Kelly Park was the location of this home fixture for the Young Roar, and after six straight losses, the hosts were keen to build confidence against Fire, who sit last on the PS4 NPL Queensland ladder.
Although getting ahead early, through the strike by Jez Lofthouse, Fire were unable to hold onto their lead, and by the 24th minute, the hosts were beginning to dictate the pace of the game.
Adam Sawyer (Young Roar) received a straight red in the 35th minute of the game, this granted Fire a re-entry to the game, however, the Young Roar kept their heads, scoring once more and going into the break with 10 men and a 3-1 lead.
By the end of the match Lofthouse, the strongest player for the visitors, picked up a second goal, but his performance was overshadowed by a clinical Young Roar outfit.
The home side noted seven different scorers, will be a point of confidence for the remainder of the year. Emilio Martinez, who was the best player in a very good side, was a highlight to watch in this one.
The Young Roar will no doubt use tonight’s victory as a foundation, as they prepare for next week’s battle with league-leaders Gold Coast City. Sunshine Coast return home next match as they host 7th-placed Western Pride.
Key Moments
6’ - GOAL TO SUNSHINE COAST - Jez Lofthouse opens the scoring with a powerful run down the left-flank, followed by a slicing shot that curls around Macklin Freke’s outstretched palms.
13’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Emilio Martinez pulls the Roar level after an impressive close-range shot that leaves Kevin Downes unsighted in goal.
24’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Jyi Oakes nets his first goal of the season through a confident one-on-one challenge with Kevin Downes.
35’ - RED CARD FOR ROAR - Adam Sawyer is dismissed early, leaving the Roar down to ten-men.
43’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Nathan Yoon secures the Roar a solid lead heading into the second half with a well-placed shot that finds the back of the net, evading Kevin Downes’ dive.
73’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Substitute, Edrick Yalankunze extends the Roar’s lead with a clinical finish.
76’ - GOAL TO SUNSHINE COAST - Jez Lofthouse with a a second-half strike that gives him a brace for the match with a clinical finish that gives Macklin Freke no chance in the Young Roar goal.
81’ - GOAL TO ROAR - After being on the pitch only minutes, substitute, Omar Sidiqi, extends the Young Roar lead with an exceptional close-range shot.
83’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Rahmat Akbari connects with a fantastic cross from the wing, smashing it into the net and leaving the end result beyond doubt.
90’ - GOAL TO ROAR - Following a foul in the box, Christian Aloisi steps up to the spot and confidently slots the ball beneath Kevin Downes.
Match Details
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland – Round 18
Saturday, July 15
AJ Kelly Park
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