Missed chances cost game, not a contentious ref’s decision Fury own their loss
NORTHERN Fury defender Darren Walker insists his team only have themselves to blame despite a contentious late penalty decision condemning them to a 2- 1 loss to NPL Queensland struggler Redlands in Mackay on Saturday night.
The Fury continued their wastefulness in front of goal which has plagued them in recent weeks, particularly early, opening the door for second- last placed Redlands to spring an upset.
Redlands took the lead in the 61st minute through Luke Hendrix, but Fury replied in the 85th minutes when 16year- old Kyren Walters scored his first NPL goal in just his second game.
However, Redlands escaped with all three points when Alex Warrilow slotted home from the spot in the 88th minute after what Walker described as a “contentious” penalty.
The loss means the Fury’s already slim top four hopes are realistically over but Walker said they shouldn’t have let the result come down to a decision by the officials.
“The whistle went and everyone thought it was a free kick our way, but he pointed to the spot,” Walker said.
“It’s pretty hard to take late in the game – to go down with a referee’s decision, but we have to wear the consequences ourselves for not taking our chances.
“We probably had enough chances to win two or three games last night and it’s been the story for the last three or four weeks.
“We’re creating enough chances but not taking them, and teams are hurting us.”
The Fury have blooded a handful of promising teenagers in the past fortnight and Walker said there’s still much to play for despite finals being out of reach.
The club went winless last year but are eighth in the 12team league with five wins.
“It’ll be tough for us to make the top four now but we’ve still got a good chance to finish in the top half of the table, which after last year would be a really good result for the club,” Walker said.
“With a lot of young players now getting a run, there’s still plenty to play for.”
NPL: Redlands 2 ( L Hendrix 61’ A Warrilow 88’ pen) bt Northern Fury 1 ( K Walters 85’) at Mackay on Saturday night.