Words & Image: Emily Wilson, Sunshine Coast Fire

Sunshine Coast Fire earned revenge for their 2013 NPL Queensland Semi Final defeat on Sunday, defeating Brisbane City 1-0 at Stockland Stadium.

Ryan Delahunty proved the hero for Fire as they recorded back-to-back league wins, netting the only goal of the tight contest late in the first half.

City settled into the match early, controlling possession as Fire sought opportunities on the counter attack.

Fire’s first opportunity came on 15 minutes when Delahunty forced City goalkeeper Matt Stein into a save from 12 yards.

Stein was again called into action when Nakamura broke free of City's back line, saving the striker’s low shot to the left-hand side.

City captain Mat Biggins threatened in midfield for the visitors, but the Fire backline denied his opportunities before Futa Nakamura saw his header deflect off the woodwork from a Fire corner.

In the 44^th minute Fire beat the off-side trap for Stein to save Matt Needham’s shot. The ball fell into Delahunty’s path and he finished from a tight angle to put Fire ahead before half-time.

The two teams continued to trade blows after the re-start. A ball from Jared Moore released Nakamura early in the half, the marksman again denied by the post.

Biggins struck the post at the other end as City started to put pressure on the Fire goal.

With minutes remaining in the contest ex-Fire player Chris Toovey produced a snap shot that went wide for the visitors.

Fire’s fifth win of the season sees them leapfrog last year’s Grand Finalists on the table to move into eight place, while City remain without a win in their past five fixtures and mired in ninth.

Sunshine Coast Fire 1 (Ryan Delahunty 44’)
Brisbane City 0