Fresh QAS may run out of legs

Daniel Ackland | 3rd April 2010

The Sunshine Coast Fire has the advantage of match fitness going into tomorrow's at-home clash with the Queensland Academy of Sport.

After playing in Victoria for three years, Mark Riley, left, has slotted in beautifully to the Fire’s line-up.

The Sunshine Coast Fire has the advantage of match fitness going into tomorrow’s at-home clash with the Queensland Academy of Sport in their round two Queensland State League game.

Perched on top of the QSL ladder after a convincing 3-1 win over Far North Queensland, the Fire will be anxious to secure another three points.

QAS is yet to play a game because its opening fixture against Whitsunday was cancelled due to Tropical Cyclone Ului.

The Fire’s defensive midfield import, Mark Riley, believes QAS missing that game could work to his team’s advantage.

“QAS are more than likely just looking to go out there and get a good strong hit-out for their first game of the season,” he said.

“In saying that though, we won’t be taking them lightly.”

Riley is from Queensland but has spent the past three years plying his trade in the Victorian equivalent of the QSL.

Having played for powerhouse clubs such as South Melbourne and Dandenong, Riley has the experience to slot straight into the Fire’s structures.

He played the full 90 minutes of the Fire’s opening game and was stationed behind playmakers Greig Henslee and Tyson Holmes.

Although not getting ahead of themselves, Riley said the team had one eye on the round four fixture against arch-rivals the Brisbane Strikers.

“We are hoping to go down there with nine points in the bag,” he said.

That is highly possible, given the Fire’s favourable draw in the opening few rounds.

The Coast team is not required to travel to any of the regional centres until round six, when it will play Townsville-based team the North Queensland Razorbacks.

Riley believes the settled line-up the Fire boasts is a bonus.

“We don’t have any injuries or suspensions, so that helps to keep the successful structure in place for another week,” he said.

“This time in the season your main aim is to gain cohesion, and we are certainly able to get it by fielding the same team again this week.”

Tomorrow’s match at Stockland Park is officially an away game for the Fire as the QAS does not have another available ground.

GAME DAY

SUNSHINE COAST FIRE v QAS

Tomorrow, Stockland Park, 4pm

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