Words: Matt Dorman

SWQ Thunder were outgunned by Lions FC as the only PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues club involved in pre-season action on Sunday,

SWQ Thunder Dealt Pre-Season Setback

LIONS STADIUM, BRISBANE | SWQ Thunder suffered a second straight pre-season defeat as hosts Lions FC eased to a 5-0 win in the BLK Silver Boot on Sunday evening.

Thunder trailed by three goals at the break before a further two Lions strikes after the restart scuppered the Toowoomba team’s hopes of finishing Group D on a high.

Having held the home side scoreless for the opening 25 minutes, Thunder fell behind when a high Lions press resulted in Michael Butters tapping home from Alex Schiavo’s cutback.

The advantage was doubled shortly before the break as former Sunshine Coast FC player Kenya Takahashi added the finishing touches to a classy move involving a number of combinations.

Lions found time for a third on the stroke of half-time thanks to Jack Lewis’ shot into the bottom corner following another high attacking press.

Thunder regrouped to deny the Brisbane Premier League side a fourth goal until just after the hour.

Luke Borean, who had been a standout performer for Chris McLeod’s men, this time spilled a ball into the path of Nathan Shepherd who made it 4-0.

McLeod continued to rotate his squad for the second half with chances afford to a trio of 16-year-olds ahead of the new season.

Lions capitalised on tiring legs for a late fifth in the shape of Sam Fellows’ finish from another fine team move.

Thunder’s next pre-season engagement is a trip to Mitchelton FC this Saturday, 13 February.

Lions FC 5 (Michael BUTTERS 27’, Kenya TAKAHASHI 39’, Jack LEWIS 45’, Nathan SHEPHERD 64’, Sam FELLOWS 86’)
SWQ Thunder FC 0