Fast starts order of day in trial matches

LEICHHARDT hammered an undermanned Mareeba United 4-0 on the scoreboard but the contest was much closer on the pitch, according to the club’s coaches.

It was a similar game to the one that played out at Trinity Beach, where a hot Southside rained in early goals against Marlin Coast then gave way to a more physical, end-to-end encounter.

The Lions, who some consider top four certainties and potential championship challengers, hammered home several goals in the first 30minute third.

Leichhardt’s Stacey Fittock, who is leading a three-strong coaching team which includes Alex Russell and Karl Bennett, said it was a decent hitout.

“I thought we played OK, but it’s what you expect from a trial game,” Fittock said.

“After the first third when we hit the front, Mareeba might’ve been told to dig in and bring it together. It got a bit more physical.

“There weren’t too many surprises up there. I was pretty happy with it but it’s what we expected.”

Mareeba United’s young squad, which missed several young and key players, stepped up in the final two-thirds and left new coach Angelo Tatti a happy man.

The Bulls created plenty of opportunities to score but clearly missed injured striker Jamie Carroll as they failed to find the mark.

Still, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Tatti.

Stratford drew with Townsville Brothers 3-3 in their Nick Brko Field contest.

With coach Rob Wales absent, striker and youth coach Blake Semp controlled the side in his first outing.

“We did all right,” he said. “We missed a few regular players but it was good to finally get out there for a run.”

Brothers created plenty of opportunities but couldn’t convert, with Stratford’s defensive unit muscling up despite missing key pieces.

Stratford will face Edge Hill United in a friendly on Sunday evening, a pre-season clash between two teams expected to challenge for the crown.