Football Matters with Cyclops

Local

Another mixed weekend for the Panthers, winning one and losing one of the two matches. On Sunday in Townsville, against Warriors, the Premiers won 3-2 and the Reserves lost 0-4.

This Sunday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers at 7.00 and the Reserves at 5.00. The Ladies, Division 1 Men, and Division 2 Funkies are all playing in Townsville on Friday. The Ladies play Warriors at 8.30, the Men’s Division 1 meet Ingham at 6.30, and the Men’s Division 2 are up against Brothers, also at 6.30.

Premiers

In a crucial clash against fellow top-four contenders Townsville Warriors, the Ayr Anzac Club Panthers rose to the occasion with a gutsy 3-2 win that sees them leap back into finals contention. The stakes were high, and the Panthers started like a side that knew it—dominating early possession and creating the better chances. The Burdekin side looked in control until a stunning strike from Warriors, completely against the run of play, found the back of the net to make it 1-0. Momentum shifted, and Burdekin struggled to regain their rhythm. But just before the break, Oscar Licciardello split the defence with a perfectly weighted ball to Matthew Kolb, who calmly finished to level the scores at 1-1.

The second half got off to a rocky start, with Warriors striking again just five minutes in to take a 2-1 lead. But rather than folding, the Panthers began to rally. After winning a free kick near the byline, Kai Goodman spotted the keeper off his line and cleverly curled it inside the post to level the match. The belief surged, and with fifteen minutes remaining, Ryan Scodellaro scored to put Burdekin into the lead. A brave defensive stand followed, sealing a vital 3-2 win and a return to the top four.

Reserves

Once again, Burdekin Tyre Services Reserves fielded a different team line-up, with the biggest number of injuries and absences of any game this season. A positive aspect was a Reserve Grade debut for Angus Innes and Zach Durrant. The Panthers made a slow start, and Warriors scored an opening goal after just ten minutes. From there, the Reserves settled into the game, and there were periods of good ball play and possession that ensured Warriors went into the break with only a one-goal lead. The Panthers started the second half poorly, again conceding an early goal. The team rallied again and stayed in the game, but two goals in the last five minutes ended the contest.

Juniors

The Juniors are presently on the school holiday break and will resume next week. The first event before fixtures start again is the Bowen carnival on Sunday, 13th July. 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. And in a pre-play of the Club World Cup group match, Esperance de Tunisia lost 4-5 to Chelsea. Man of the Match was Chris Achille. Monday nights at 6.30. Be there.

National and International

The Matildas have played two friendlies against Slovenia, both in Perth. Last Thursday they won 3-0, but on Sunday could only draw 1-1.

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. In the meantime, they have lined up a couple of friendlies against New Zealand, home and away, on 5th and 9th of September.

The FIFA Club World Cup, being played in America, has reached the Round of 16 stage, the winners of which go through to the quarter-finals. So far, Bayern and PSG are both through and will play each other, and Chelsea and Palmeiras play off in the second quarter-final.

Quote of the Week

From then-Chelsea manager John Hollins when Doug Rougvie was sent off:
"It was a case of handbags at three paces, and he was unlucky."

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