Fire Defeated In Pre-Season Opener
Words: Michael Flynn
Sunshine Coast FC made a sluggish start to their pre-season campaign after falling 1-0 to Holland Park Hawks on Saturday night.
A goal to Marek Madle proved decisive for Hawks just prior to the break, with a young Fire squad unable to match their Brisbane Premier League opponent’s physicality for much of the contest.
Fire fielded several triallists in the match as coach Paul Arnison continues to fine-tune his squad a month out from the start of the PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues season.
Hawks started the match strongly but couldn’t capitalise on their early chances with Madle twice shut down by a scrambling Fire defence, while Jake Kallis hit the side-netting.
The breakthrough came just before half-time when Madle broke through one-on-one with Fire goalkeeper Sam Nickolls – the Czech-born striker tucking away a composed finish.
Fire increasingly found their rhythm in the second stanza but could only fashion half-chances for much of the half.
Their best opportunity came in the final quarter hour when half-time substitute and triallist Luke Lewis hit the post in search of the equaliser.
Fire will continue their pre-season with a series of friendlies against Sunshine Coast Premier League and Gold Coast Premier League clubs. Match details to be confirmed.
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 23
Whites Hill Reserve, Brisbane
Holland Park Hawks FC 1 (Marek Madle 42’)
Sunshine Coast FC 0
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