MCCARTHY STEALS WIN
Stunning late strike seals victory in seven goal thriller
FOOTBALL: Thunder striker Cormac McCarthy staked his claim for goal of the season at the weekend.
Deep into injury time and with the scores all square, McCarthy punished Mitchelton with his injury time winner in a seven goal thriller between the two FQPL 1 sides.
After breaking down the flank Thunder defender Wade Hall’s shot was deflected and McCarthy capitalised with a stunning bicycle kick in the 93rd minute.
FOOTBALL: Young striker Cormac McCarthy wrote his name into the SWQ Thunder history books at the weekend.
McCarthy’s goal of the season contender sealed a 4-3 win for his side in their FQPL 1 clash with Mitchelton.
Despite a promising opening, the Thunder trailed on the road with Mitchelton opening the scoring in the 23rd minute.
The Thunder didn’t trail for long though with a Mitchelton own goal in the 34th minute squaring the scores.
Pasquale de Vita then put the Thunder in front just three minutes later.
In a back and forth game Mitchelton squared the scores again after the break and took the lead on the hour mark.
The Thunder refused to back down with de Vita (77th) scoring his second for the night ahead of McCarthy’s injury time winner.
With several key players out SWQ Thunder official Jason Hall praised the resilience and determination of the side.
“We had a few key players out which made things a bit difficult to begin with,” Hall said.
“Jack de Bortoli came into the midfield to replace Veco (Serugo) and we pushed Jordan Howard into the back line.
“Luke Beutel who has had a good season with the under-18s made his debut of the bench.”
The Thunder bench proved to be a key factor in the result according to Hall.
“Getting the three points was a pleasing result,” he said.
“We expected them to be tough opposition after they beat us at home earlier this season and they were tough.
“It was a good performance though, we created some good chances.
“With about 30 minutes to go we went to our bench and it made a big difference
“Our fitness was a big factor as well.”