Football Matters with Cyclops 10 July

Another difficult weekend for the Panthers, winning two and losing three matches. On Sunday, in Townsville against Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers lost 2–3 but the Reserves won 3–2. On Friday, also in Townsville, the Ladies beat Warriors 6–1, but the Division 1 Men lost 1–5 to Ingham and the Division 2 Men lost 1–3 to Brothers.

This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Olympics—the Premiers at 7:00 and the Reserves at 5:00. The Ladies and Division 2 Funkies are playing in Townsville on Friday. The Ladies play Rebels at 6:30 and the Division 2 Men are up against Wulguru, also at 6:30. The Division 1 Men travel to Townsville on Sunday to play Rebels at 4:00pm.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers fell short in a 3–2 thriller against Saints Eagles Souths. In a Sunday night catch-up clash against a Saints side fresh off a big win, the Panthers were unable to capitalise on a spirited second-half fightback, losing 2–3.

Travelling to a notoriously difficult venue, the Panthers started brightly—finding space in behind and creating early chances—but finishing proved elusive. Saints, on the other hand, made the most of their pressure, breaking through to open the scoring. Despite more promising moments going forward, Burdekin couldn’t convert, and some errant passing late in the half saw Saints score again to take a 2–0 lead into the break.

To their credit, the Panthers returned with renewed intensity. Oliver Gabiola rose highest to nod home a well-placed header and bring the game back to life at 2–1. Moments later, in-form striker Matthew Kolb coolly slotted the equaliser, levelling the match and swinging momentum Burdekin’s way. But Saints weren’t done. A stunning long-range strike restored their lead, leaving the Panthers chasing the game once more. Burdekin pushed hard in the closing stages and created more chances, but the finishing touch continued to evade them.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves had a Sunday night game in Townsville this week. Looking to bounce back after three losses in a row and fielding a very capable squad as players return from injury, the Panthers were keen for a result.

A short burst of rain leading up to the game made conditions a bit slick, and both teams had some issues with ball control in the first half. Burdekin had the weight of possession, but it was Saints who opened the scoring in the 30th minute. The Panthers kept on course and, at the forty-minute mark, a long-range strike from Kyle Taylor found the corner of the goal. The intensity picked up, several chances were created, and Leighton Gallagher scored his first goal for the club just before the break.

The second half was a struggle in both directions, with both teams making chances but not converting. The Panthers’ third goal came from a skilful volley by Jhett Jones in the 88th minute to give the team a deserved win.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Panthers travelled to Townsville to play Ingham Wolves. The Panthers played well in the first half to be only a goal down at halftime. The second half wasn’t as good, and despite Cody Scalia scoring for the Panthers, the Wolves won 5–1. Max Kelly and Jack Gimson had good games for the Panthers.

Division 2 Men

The C.A. Contracting Funkies lost 1–3 to Brothers. Missing quite a few regular players, the Funkies took a while to adjust to a few positional changes. Brothers scored early and settled into the match, controlling the majority of possession. They scored a second goal soon afterwards, but Simon Scuderi netted a good goal right on halftime to get the Funkies back into the game, going into the break only 2–1 down.

The second half could have seen either team score numerous times, but it wasn’t until close to full time that Brothers secured the win with a third goal. There wasn’t a bad player for the Burdekin side, with everyone competing well in a gritty and tough contest against a well-drilled and seasoned Brothers outfit.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies delivered a standout performance against the Warriors, despite being a player short and having no substitutes. Displaying determination and teamwork, they powered through to secure a commanding 6–1 victory.

The scoring opened in the 10th minute through Zandi Bonato, and just two minutes later, Tegan Johnson doubled the lead. The momentum continued with Sienna Lago adding a third goal, followed by a fourth from a brilliant solo run and finish by Dayna Linton. Just before halftime, Tegan Johnson struck again to make it 5–0.

In the second half, the Burdekin Ladies controlled the tempo and conserved their energy. The only goal of the half came from Ellyana Mugica, to make the final score 6–1. Congratulations to the Burdekin squad for an incredible effort, showing resilience, skill, and heart.

Juniors

The Juniors are presently on the school holiday break, and fixtures will resume next Saturday, 19th July. Training starts when school goes back. Good luck to the Burdekin teams travelling to Bowen on Sunday for their carnival.

Masters

A good turnout of eleven-a-side on a cool Monday evening. Olympiacos beat Panathinaikos 4–2, with Clinton Southern and Hippy Nige getting on the scoresheet for Olympiacos and Thomas McLean scoring for Panathinaikos. Monday nights at 6:30. Be there.

National and International

The Matildas are playing Panama in two friendlies. Last Saturday they lost 0–1 in Bunbury and play their second game, in Perth, on Tuesday night. The Socceroos’ next games aren’t until September, when they play New Zealand in two friendlies—home and away—on the 5th and 9th of September.

The FIFA Club World Cup, being played in America, has reached the semi-final stage. On Wednesday, Chelsea play Fluminense and on Thursday, PSG play Real Madrid.

Quote of the Week

“There is black and white proof that I am not the killer I am supposed to be. I have only been sent off twice.”
— Graeme Souness, Liverpool and Scotland hardman

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