Football Matters with Cyclops

Seniors

A mixed weekend for the Panthers. They played five games, winning three and losing two. The Premiers and Reserves were at home to Estates on Sunday with the Premiers winning 3-2 and the Reserves winning 3-1. The Division 1 and Division 2 teams were at home on Friday night to M Olympic with the Division 1 losing 1-5 and the Division 2 losing 1-4. The Colts away to Brothers, won 7-1

This week, all five teams are in action, in Townsville. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are away to JCU Riverway kicking off at 8.30 and 6.30. The Colts are away to Brothers with a 6.30 kick off. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are at away to Brothers in top of the table clashes, kicking off at 7.00 and 5.00.

Ladies Day tickets went on sale and sold out within hours. Did not get a ticket? You can still join in on all the fun at International Park on Saturday 22^nd August!’

Calling all Life Members, Sponsors & Old Boys. It’s time to celebrate you! On Sunday August 9^th, join us for an afternoon of football, free drinks, and food! Let’s reminisce on all the good, bad, and ugly! Please confirm attendance with Sian Reardon.

Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

With plenty on the line for both sides, this shaped as one of the biggest games of the season. Estates needed a win to keep their finals hopes alive, while Burdekin knew three points would move them 12 points clear of fifth place with just five games remaining. Estates made the brighter start, controlling the early stages and taking the lead in the 19th minute with a well-taken finish. The goal sparked the Panthers into life, and they began creating chances of their own, but a combination of outstanding goalkeeping and desperate defending kept them at bay. Burdekin finally found the breakthrough when Matthew Kolb reacted the quickest after a corner, finishing well to level the scores. However, Estates struck with virtually the last kick of the first half to regain the lead and head into the break 2–1 in front.

Knowing a response was needed, the Panthers came out with renewed energy after half time. Just ten minutes into the second half, Ryan Scodellaro unleashed a stunning strike from 35 yards that will surely be a contender for goal of the year to make it 2–2. Ten minutes later, Jay Leckenby completed the turnaround to give Burdekin a 3–2 lead. Estates threw everything forward in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Jarrod Camer and the Panthers' defence stood firm to secure a crucial three points.

Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

With the other teams in the top four all picking up wins, this was an important match for the Panthers as they looked to keep pace on the ladder. As always, a clash against Estates was expected to be a tough contest. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Cooper Kross found the back of the net to give Burdekin the lead. Unfortunately, Kross was forced from the field shortly afterwards suffering a concussion following an accidental collision with a teammate. The remainder of the first half was a physical arm wrestle, with both sides battling hard but neither able to create many clear-cut chances. The Panthers started the second half strongly, with Jonte Grazioli doubling the lead early to provide some valuable breathing space. Grazioli wasn't finished there, adding his second goal of the afternoon in the 61st minute to put Burdekin firmly in control at 3–0. Estates pulled a goal back in the 85th minute to set up a nervous finish, but the Panthers remained composed in the closing stages to see out the match and secure an important 3–1 victory that kept them firmly in the race at the top end of the table.

Quote the of the Week is from ex- Barcelona and Scotland striker  Steve Archibald,  “Team spirit is an illusion you only glimpse when you win.”

‍