CAIRNS FC NEWBIES FIRE UP

AN unlikely hero has emerged to snare Cairns FC an expected three points away to Sunshine Coast, with the club’s new recruits providing a burst of energy for the NPL club.

Nathan Paull was playing for Southside a month ago but further cemented his NPL place on Saturday with a deflected 77th-minute winner after the visitors struggled early.

Pierce Clark also had an immediate positive influence on the group, making a late save to keep the Fire at bay, while Gianni Allebi and Alex Sargent brought impact much needed after a poor first half from Cairns FC.

Coach Danny Graystone said the players struggled to adjust to the small Kawana pitch and in the past they may not have turned it around, but for the luxury of depth the club has been craving.

“The first half was a little bit disappointing,” he said.

“They changed the pitch at the last minute and it was a very small pitch, which they tactically played very well.

“Second half we just turned a couple of things around and we were much better and it was only a matter of time before we got the second goal.

“I think the most important thing to be honest is we came away with the three points and it was very important we got that win.

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you get them, you just need to get them and they’re going to take some points of a lot of teams later on this season. They were very difficult to break down, especially on the small pitch.

“It doesn’t look like an overwhelming and convincing victory but to win away at this point of the season is a good three points.”

Cairns FC 2 (Taylor 23’ Paull 77’) d Sunshine Coast 1 (Debbage 35’) SWQ Thunder 3 d Redlands 0 Olympic 1 d Western Pride 0 Lions FC 1 d Strikers 0 Moreton Bay 2 d Bris City 1 Mackay 3 d NQ United 1

Graystone said Clark’s ALeague experience shone through in his leadership and communication, but was most impressed with Paull simply for the way he’d grabbed his NPL opportunity.

“I was really pleased for Nathan because he’s taken that step up,” he said.

“He ran up and down all day, worked extremely hard for us. He played really well in extremely difficult conditions and I think he deserved to get the winning goal for us.”

Late inclusion Sargent, who signed to Cairns FC from Lions last week, said it was great to be part of a win at his new club.

“It’s always nice to come in and get a win on the road at a tough place to play,” he said.

“Danny’s given me a chance to come up here and I’ve taken it and I’m really loving it so far.”

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