To the North Star Supporters,
A heartbreaking way to end our winning streak, but that’s football. Thank you all for your support and encouragement this week. The mood around the club has been great and I’ve never felt more part of the team. Your words of positivity are really nice to hear and the lads are proud to represent you all.
As for the game itself, not our night. It’s a tough pill to swallow when a referee costs you a game, but mistakes happen. It’s disappointing that an offside player could go down and be awarded a penalty, as I felt the lads deserved at least a point. I won’t focus on this, but will instead highlight the good.
Firstly 4 players went against Physio advice to play for the team, with at least 2 more who carried knocks as well. I’m by no means advising players to ignore medical advice, but the heart they showed, knowing how short handed we were to give their bodies for the team shows a real togetherness. To those players, thank you for putting the team first. You’re more appreciated than you know.
During the game we did a lot right. Jack Gibson on his full debut completely neutralized their danger man in midfield. It was no easy task and he worked tirelessly to make it happen. Taringa have in the region of 7-8 goals from crosses already this season and Rhys West and Cheyne Moodley at fullback were exceptional at stopping that threat. Their striker had 7 goals coming into this game and Nathan Baker and Aiden Cathcart restricted him to one shot in the first half and his goal came from the dubious penalty. They are the first pairing to stop him scoring in open play this season. Well done lads.
We also had to bring in a loan goalkeeper with no training with us previously. Ryan had worked with me last season at Moreton Bay and I knew he’d deliver, but he even surpassed my expectations making several key saves and adding a positive voice to the team. Making your first team debut is a daunting task, doing it at a club you’ve never been to is a crazy turn of events. He did both clubs proud.
From here we get some much needed rest for the players carrying injuries and regroup before the big game against Caboolture. They are going to be difficult for any team in FQPL2 to stop this season and are looking like champions already. I’d like to think we have as much chance as anyone of talking the fight to them and I’d love to have a full house to get behind the lads as we try. With the 40th anniversary of our 1980 premiers also being held that day, there has never been a better time to come and show your support. I’d like to ask everyone involved with the club to come down and make more noise than the club has heard before. There has not been a bigger game yet for this team and we need every advantage we can muster. You can be the difference. See you all on the 1st of May.
Cheers,
Lee Cunningham.