Football Matters with Cyclops 26 June

Local

Another mixed weekend for the Panthers, winning one, drawing one, and losing three of five matches.

On Friday night in Townsville, the Division 2 Funkies drew 0–0 with Brothers, and also in Townsville the Division 1 Men lost 1–4 to Ingham, but the Ladies defeated Saints Eagles South 5–0.

On Saturday, in Townsville against Brothers, the Premiers lost 0–2 and the Reserves lost 2–3.

This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors, the Premiers at 3.30pm and the Reserves at 1.30pm. The Ladies, Division 1 Men, and Division 2 Funkies are not playing.

Premiers

Whenever Burdekin and Brothers clash, it is never short of intensity — and this weekend’s encounter was no exception, despite both sides battling injuries to key players.

The Ayr Anzac Club Panthers started the brighter of the two, settling into the game with strong spells of possession. Jay Leckenby came close early, firing narrowly wide from a tight angle, but genuine chances were few and far between despite controlling much of the play. Brothers broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. The Panthers continued to boss possession for the remainder of the half but could not break down Brothers’ organised defence.

The story didn’t change much after the break. Burdekin dominated the ball but lacked composure in the final third, too often resorting to hopeful long balls that gifted possession. With time running out, the Panthers threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser but were caught out at the back in the dying moments, as Brothers sealed the contest with a late goal to make it 2–0.

A frustrating result for the Panthers, who will need to regroup ahead of next week’s challenge.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Services Reserves travelled to Brothers with another changed lineup due to more injuries and absences.

In a replay of the last two games there were periods of good ball play and possession but also times of poor passing and silly mistakes that allowed Brothers time and space to create chances.

Burdekin started poorly, conceding an early goal and were often just slightly off the pace through the first half.

Down 0–2 at the break, the Panthers knew they could improve on effort and energy. Brothers got a scrappy goal early in the second half, but the Panthers rallied through the last twenty minutes of the game.

Burdekin lost a player to a sin-bin call, but that spurred the team to greater effort. Reward came with a very good strike from Brayden Card fifteen minutes from time, and a few minutes later another good move found Cooper Kross in space at the top of the penalty area to score and make it 2–3.

Unfortunately, time was against the Panthers, who were left to rue a patchy performance that could have been a win.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Panthers played Ingham in Townsville on Friday night. The Panthers lost 1–4 after being behind 1–2 at half time. Henry Fallon scored for the Panthers in the first half.

Burdekin played with a man down for the last 15 minutes due to injury and lack of players. The final score didn’t accurately reflect the game, with Burdekin dominating at times.

Seaton Ivory and Agustin Agote both played very well.

Division 2 Men

The C.A Contracting Funkies battled Brothers in what is always a tense and spiteful encounter at their home ground.

Both teams were up for the fight and a hard-fought match took place. Good chances were created by both teams, but great saves from keeper Dave Bryan kept Brothers scoreless, while at the other end Burdekin was unable to break the deadlock.

With just minutes left, a very unjust penalty for handball to Brothers, along with a red card to Burdekin, threatened to ruin the game. However, keeper Dave Bryan, Man of the Match, stepped up again to save the penalty and give the Funkies a well-earned point from a 0–0 draw.

A very rare score for a second division game.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies were in Townsville on Friday night, facing off once again against Saints Eagles Souths.

Ellyana Mugica set the tone early, striking to open the scoring just minutes into the match. Not long afterwards, Sienna Lago followed up with another slick finish, doubling Burdekin’s lead.

A deflected shot from Sian Reardon created the perfect setup for Chayse Feeney, who capitalised to make it 3–0 at half time.

After the break, Charley Ruskin extended the lead with a goal from a well-placed corner kick, and in the final minutes of the game, Brielle Astorquia sealed a dominant Burdekin performance, slotting home the fifth and final goal.

A strong all-round effort from the Burdekin ladies.

Juniors

The last round of fixtures was played on Saturday before the school holiday break.

The Under 5 to 7s enjoyed themselves playing local games, and the Under 8s and up travelled to Townsville for two games.

The Juniors are on a break now until after the school holidays, so get the kids a ball and let them practice their first touch and passing in the backyard or down the park!

The first thing before fixtures start again is the Bowen Carnival on Sunday 13th July. Bowen are a big supporter of our carnival, so it will be good to get as many Burdekin teams as possible to their carnival which is always a great day.

Team nominations are to be in by 4th July. If you are unsure how to register, please contact the club.

Masters

A good turnout on a cool, damp Monday evening. Andorra and England, in a replay of the recent World Cup qualifier, played out a 4–4 draw.

In a see-sawing game, Andorra were two goals up and then 4–2 down before equalising right on full time.

Man of the Match was Jonty Davis.
Monday nights at 6.30 — be there.

National and International

The Matildas have two friendlies lined up against Slovenia. Both games are at HBF Park in Perth on 26 and 29 June. New coach Joe Montemurro will be in charge.

The Socceroos, having qualified for the 2026 World Cup, now have to wait — possibly until the end of the year — to see who and where they play in the group rounds.

The group stage runs from 11–27 June, kicking off in Mexico City, and the final will be played in New York on 19 July.

Quote of the Week

From Spurs manager Terry Venables after a 4–1 home defeat to Chelsea, when ordering a drink:

“An arsenic… A large one.”

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