Football Matters with Cyclops

Seniors

The Panther had just the one match last weekend as the finals series begins. The Colts played second placed Warriors in Townsville, winning 2-0 and going straight into the Grand Final.

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This week, both the Premiers and Reserves are playing in the semi-finals. The Premiers who finished in third place play Riverway JCU who finished fourth and the Reserves who finished in second place meet minor premiers Brothers. The Premiers kick off at 7.00 pm and the Reserves at 3.00pm.

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Night Soccer kicks off for the 48^th season on Tuesday 8^th September. Late Nominations will still be accepted. Nomination Forms are at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst.

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Colts – Astute Finance

Burdekin started strongly, moving the ball around the park with confidence and ease.  Warriors flooded the midfield early on, creating space out wide and allowing the Colts wide players to push forward and attack down both flanks. The breakthrough came after just ten minutes. Charlie Shears beat his defender and drove towards the near post before delivering a dangerous ball across the face of goal. Landyon Chatfield was on hand to force it over the line and give Burdekin a deserved 1-0 lead. Despite continued pressure from the opposition, goalkeeper Zack Durrant produced a couple of outstanding saves to preserve the advantage, helping the team head into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The second half could not have started any better. Within sixty seconds of the restart, Charlie Shears found himself in space once again and threaded a pinpoint pass through to Max Kelly. Max then fed the ball to Ryely Siandri, who unleashed a strike from around twenty yards out. The shot sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net, extending Burdekin’s lead to 2-0.This is where the scored stayed, with desperate defence and great team play, the Colts secured their spot in the Grand Final. The Club is very proud of them they’ve worked hard for each other all year and now are reaping the rewards.

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Masters

The Masters numbers were good again and in cool conditions featured Australia v Brazil, a pre-play of the 25^th September Townsville match. The Socceroos lost 1-5 after a goalless first half. Man of the Match was PH Smith who actually scored a goal. The Masters 2026 season winds up next Monday. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick Off.  

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Juniors

Another weekend of junior soccer is in the books, and the season is quickly coming to an end! Burdekin Under 5–Under 7 teams enjoyed their local games at home, while the Under 8–Under 12 teams made their final trip to Townsville for the season. It’s been a big year of travelling for the older age groups, and we’re sure everyone is looking forward to a few less early starts! With just two more weeks of the season remaining, there’s still plenty of soccer to come. Let’s finish the season a high note! 

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In the Under 15s semi-final  Burdekin FC were up against MA Olympic. It wasn’t the  minor premier’s day on Saturday with Burdekin losing 2-6. The goals were scored by Rohan Kelly and Emmanuel Mio. The Panthers get another chance to make the Grand Final this weekend with a sudden death semi against Rebels.  Wishing them all the best for the weekend.

The Under 13 Burdekin Panthers took to the field in a must win semi-final match against Estates. In a well fought match, unfortunately, the Panthers went down 4-2.  The U13 Panthers have now completed their season. Well done to all the players on a fantastic year.   

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International

The Socceroos have two friendlies against Brazil lined up. The first, on 25 September is in Townsville! And the second in Brisbane. Meanwhile the new season has started in Europe and after two or three matches, it looks like the same old same old. Except for France where PSG have drawn their first two games.

Quote the of the Week is from then Northern Ireland Manager Billy Bingham “The proof of the pudding is when you get down to the nitty-gritty.”

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