Round eight of the FQPL saw a host of tight matches as teams begin to find rhythm and harmony. Goals still rained in however, and the leaders remain on a roll as the mid-table pack fight for their place.

By Rowan Schindler

Rochedale Rovers | 2 – 1 | Wolves FC
Underwood Park

Rovers find consistency with win over Wolves

Rochedale Rovers have had a rocky start to the FQPL season as they have struggled to find consistency with a squad which warrants it. They found their three points in round eight, however, with a 2-1 win over Wolves FC on Saturday. Todd Norris and Caleb Ackland both scored for Rochdale as the hosts prodded the Wolves.

After half-time, the Wolves found the net through Tim Morgan in the 49^th but Rochedale had their sights firmly on a win and came away with it.

In the end, a fixture which really tells both sides a tale of where they are at in their development. Wolves sit second-last in the FQPL but show an ability to play, while Rochedale jump to fifth spot on the ladder with four wins and three losses.

 

Souths United | 2 – 3 | Logan Lightning FC
Wakerley Park

Lightning shuts down Souths

Logan Lightning are proving to be the surprise packet of the FQPL with another good win, this time over Souths United at Wakerley Park on Saturday. Souths opened the scores at home, after Andrew Butler notched a rare goal. That switched Logan into gear, with the Lightning able to grab ascendency of the game from that time onwards. They were rewarded in the 39^th minute when Dylan Brent beat Jake Haling in the Souths goal. One-all at the break.

The second half began where Logan left off, with Zander Guy grabbing his third goal of the season, and the Lightning’s second of the game, in the 48^th minute. Kei Takamoto then added a fourth to his season tally with a fine effort in the 65^th. Souths attempted to stage a comeback and were rewarded with Jake Taylor knocking Souths second into the net in the 89^th, but it was too little too late for the home side. The Lightning now sit in third place with their attacking talent gelling well in the final third. Souths slip to sixth and will be disappointed to miss out on their chance to sit in third place themselves.

 

Eastern Suburbs FC | 4 – 2 | Southside Eagles
Heath Park

Tigers pounce on Eagles

This Saturday night fixture nearly wasn’t played, after it was originally scheduled for Perry Park but was switched to Heath Park following wet weather. Eastern Suburbs have had a stop-start to their FQPL campaign with a series of postponed fixtures and a bye meaning they’ve only played five games out of eight rounds. The time off has perhaps had a positive influence on the team, as they have won their last two games convincingly. The Eagles struck first through Rhyan Scriggins in the 18^th minute, and East’s didn’t reply until Tigers hitman Youeil Shol equalised in the 42^nd through a penalty, one of three in the game. Shol then added a second just before half-time.

The Tigers came out to hunt in the second half, with Jordan Farina grabbing the game’s second penalty on the 49^th. The Eagles clawed back into the match with the third and final penalty of the game, calmly scored by Adam Street on 56 minutes. Slick Tigers attacker Shol then put the Eagles out of the context with his third and Easts fourth in the 77^th. Shol has now scored seven goals in five matches and looks to be one of the FQPL players to watch.

 

Ipswich Knights | 0 – 1 | Peninsula Power
Eric Evans Oval

Knights fight valiantly against league heavyweights

Peninsula Power now sit atop the FQPL ladder with seven wins from seven games, but Ipswich Knights showed they have spirit and fight in them after a turbulent start to the season. The Knights lost their coach in the early rounds and suffered a few heavy defeats as they tried to find their feet. On Sunday, under new coach Mick Matthews, the Knights showed some trademark club spirit to hold the competition leaders to just one goal.

Serial goal-poacher Dean Briggs scored the Power’s solitary goal in the 37^th minute. In reply, the Power showed self-restraint – no Peninsula player was given a caution. The ladder leaders look sharp, composed and clinical. If Ipswich continue in this fashion under their new coaching team, their Eric Evans Oval fortress will be an unhappy hunting ground for visiting teams.

 

Wide Bay Buccaneers | 0 – 8 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Hervey Bay United SC

Buccaneers sunk by Wanderers

The Wide Bay Buccaneers hosted their first match at Hervey Bay on Sunday but it proved a fruitless hunting ground. The Sunshine Coast Wanderers prove each week they are a well-drilled and experienced side who perform consistently. Former Central Coast Mariners youth player Kobe Fuller grabbed a hat-trick with three fine finishes. Raymond Schultz and Michael Scarff both bagged a brace each while Glen Standen chimed in with one of his own after he replaced hat-trick hero, Fuller.

While the Buccaneers are pointless in the competition, they showed glimpses of attacking potential. New recruit and debutant Ben Wilkes looks like a player of real quality, despite having not played in months. The Buccs have conceded 38 goals in six matches, but each week they show they are a work in-progress.