THUNDER ROOKIE SECURES VICTORY
Teenager scores on debut
Senior debuts don’t get any better than Chloe Hutton’s.
Bought on at half-time the 16-year-old scored in the 76th minute to seal a 3-2 win for the South West Queensland Thunder.
Her performance against Sunshine Coast Wanderers is all the more remarkable considering the Thunder needed special permission from Football Queensland to play the teen.
“We (the coaching staff) have all been of the opinion that she would step up to this not a problem in the world,” coach Scott Teakle said.
“She’s physically strong enough, she’s good enough, Football Queensland are just worried about the mental preparation for kids, but you saw her potential today.”
It could’ve all been different for the Thunder though with Wanderers opening the scoring inside the first minute.
The Thunder responded quickly though with Louis Rolfe drawing the host level less than three minutes later.
Despite the quick-fire start the match soon settled into a methodical rhythm and the side’s went into the break locked at 1-1.
The addition of Hutton at half-time coupled with a more dominate midfield performance from Jai Jackson breathed new life into the second half of the game.
Chances fell to Hutton and Jess Fry before Rolfe doubled her tally in the 53rd minute with a well placed shot.
After Rolfe’s second the Thunder had numerous chances to finish Wanderers the best of which fell to Jackson.
The midfielder’s shot beat the Wanderers keeper before hitting the crossbar and bouncing out.
The miss almost proved costly with Wanderers drawing level in the 65th minute before Hutton scored the winner.
“We created our opportunities and used the pace of Lou (Rolfe) and Chloe (Hutton) to do that,” Teakle said.
“Jai Jackson had a brilliant game today, she set up third and she was immense.”
Thunder sink Moreton Bay United
AN Anthony Grant double secured a 2-1 win for the Thunder over Moreton Bay United.
Grant scored in the 53rd minute before Rhys GwynnJones drew the hosts level ten minutes later.
Grant’s 78th minute penalty sealed victory for the men.
The Thunder are now tenth with three games remaining.