Bundaberg Spirit wins on home turf

Doug Gillett | 5th July 2010


A RESURGENT Bundaberg Spirit had the crowds at Marten's Oval in raptures on Saturday night after a historic homeground defeat of North Queensland Razorbacks.

A RESURGENT Bundaberg Spirit had the crowd at Marten's Oval in raptures on Saturday night after a historic homeground defeat of North Queensland Razorbacks.

Bundaberg emerged from the tense clash victorious with two goals late in the second half sealing a convincing 2-1 win.

Coach Richard Mitchell said a resounding cheer from the stands after the full-time siren was the sweetest sound he had heard since taking the reins of the struggling team at the start of the season.

It was the first time Bundaberg Spirit has triumphed on the home turf in more than two years.

“It's been a long time coming and our supporters have stood by us through thick and thin, so it was a good feeling to give them something to cheer about,” he said.

“It was a big moment for us,” Mitchell said. “I was delighted for the players and I was delighted for the crowd.”

Spirit fought back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time to claim the victory with the midfield pairing of veterans Brett Kitching and Laurie Stevenson ensuring a constant flow of football into enemy territory.

“They showed their experience on the field and took the game by the scruff of the neck by using the ball wisely and setting up scoring opportunities,” Mitchell said.

The loss of Corey Haack from the field after a collision with a Razorback defender meant Spirit played the majority of the second half with only 10 men.

Mitchell praised the efforts of his team for wrestling back the game despite missing the crucial services of Haack from the backline.

“It was a real tussle and it took a big effort from the guys to keep it together despite being under gunned,” he said.

“It was a good win for us and we will be trying to ensure it won't be the last our fans see on the home paddock this season.”

A John Brilliante break down the left-hand wing helped Sydney FC recruit Ray Miller to an equalising goal with 25 minutes remaining.

Central Coast Mariner recruit Nick Fitzgerald collected a volley 10 minutes later to snap the winning goal into the corner of the box.

After on-field celebrations ended, Mitchell reflected on the win with a quiet glass of wine in his Bundaberg home.

“It was an excellent drop and tasted all the sweeter after the win,” he said.

“I think even a glass of vinegar would have tasted good after the effort the boys put in for me.”


http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2010/07/05/sport-bundaberg-spirit-razorbacks-soccer-football/