Sunshine Coast FC went top of the table after their win over the Bundaberg Spirit while the Brisbane Strikers lost for the first time this season. NQ Razorbacks ran out 2-0 winners over the Queensland Academy of Sport, Redlands City Devils beat Logan United at home, while the Capricorn Cougars and Whitsunday Miners played out a 2-2 draw.

Queensland Academy of Sport and NQ Razorbacks opened Round 4, with Mick Tonner’s men recording a 2-0 over the youthful QAS. The Razorbacks scored once in each half through Lee Mayberry and Joshua Searle to ensure a top four spot on the ladder following the round’s end.

Redlands City Devils were back to their goal-scoring best, following their defeat to Sunshine Coast FC last week. Redlands took the lead courtesy of a Mark Alaru double in the first 20 minutes, before recent Logan United signing Blake Kallis scored to ensure his team were in with a chance at the break. But unfortunately for United it was not meant to be, with Irishman Barry Moran and experienced youngster Ramone Close adding to the Devils’ goal tally in the second half. United did manage another goal to decrease the deficit before the final whistle, again scored by Kallis, but the loss leaves Logan United still chasing their first win of the season.

Capricorn Cougars and Whitsunday Miners shared the points in an exciting encounter at Jardine Park that saw four goals and two dismissals. The Miners went 2-0 up courtesy of two Andy Cygan-taken penalties, before the Cougars were given a lifeline with Willie Carter receiving his marching orders for violent conduct. The Cougars then gave their home crowd something to cheer about with Joseph Burke and veteran midfielder Clayton Rowland grabbing a goal each. Rowland’s goal was the first Cougars goal this season scored by one of their own players. The Cougars’, and Burke’s joy, was short-lived after he was sent off for two yellow card offences.

After spending the week sitting second on the table behind the Strikers because of superior goal difference, Sunshine Coast firmly cemented their place at the top with a 6-1 win over Bundaberg Spirit. Shaun Blackman netted four in the emphatic win, becoming the first player in the QSL to score more than three goals in a game and becoming joint first in the QSL Golden Boot tally so far this season with seven goals. Papau New Guinea International Kema Jack also scored in his QSL debut, defender Lindsay Henderson scored the home team’s other goal, while Laurie Stephenson got the consolation for the Spirit.

Brisbane Strikers’ undefeated start to the season ended at Goodwin Park, going down 2-1 to Olympic FC. With a late kick-off on Sunday, the Strikers had a chance to regain top place in the League after Sunshine Coast FC played earlier in the round. They started well, with an early goal from Russell Woodruffe. Olympic, however, were not going to back down. Coached by former Strikers coach Bobby Hamilton and former Striker Barry Browett leading the attack, Olympic finally found the back of the net with Browett himself making the breakthrough. He scored twice in five minutes, much to the delight of the vocal home crowd.

Words: Michelle Tobin

Picture: Robyn Woodall

QSL ROUND 4 RESULTS
Queensland Academy of Sport 0 – NQ Razorbacks 2 (Lee Mayberry, Joshua Searle)

Redlands City Devils 4 (Mark Alaru 2, Ramone Close, Barry Moran) – Logan United 2
(Blake Kallis 2)

Capricorn Cougars 2 (Clayton Rowland, Joseph Burke) - Whitsunday Miners 2 (Andy Cygan 2)

Sunshine Coast FC 6 (Shaun Blackman 4, Lindsay Henderson, Kema Jack) – Bundaberg Spirit 1
(Laurie Stephenson)

Olympic FC 2 (Barry Browett 2) - Brisbane Strikers 1 (Russell Woodruffe)