Roncato lauds effort Fury a stretch for City slickers

COACHES say it often: The scoreboard isn’t an accurate portrayal of the game.

But Northern Fury boss Paul Roncato insists he “couldn’t be prouder” despite his side going down 4- 1 to Brisbane City in Saturday’s NPL Queensland clash in Ayr.

The loss makes the Fury’s remote hopes of making the finals extremely unlikely, but Roncato is refusing to give up the fight with winnable games against strugglers Sunshine Coast and Redland to come over the next fortnight.

Fury played a dogged style against a strong opponent but three defensive howlers ultimately cost them dearly, putting them 11 points outside the top six, but with two games in hand.

“We made three really bad mistakes which was disappointing and we probably could have taken more of our chances, particularly in the second half,” Roncato said.

“To be honest the scoreline wasn’t reflective of the game. The boys played some of the best football they have all year and after the game I couldn’t be prouder because they actually matched Brisbane across the park.

“The boys showed a lot of composure, bustled them across the park and upset their play. After the game ( Brisbane City coach) John Kosmina said we were unlucky, and they’re big words from a guy like that.”

The Fury are likely to blood some teenage talent if they can’t produce results the next two weeks, which would end any slim hope of finals.

A couple of young strikers in their 16- year- old ranks have impressed Roncato and they may soon get a chance to impress.

“Definitely I’d like to introduce a few young guys and give them an opportunity,” Roncato said.

“I’m not sure how the ladder looks, but we’re cutting it fine now to make the finals.

“We’re at Sunny Coast next week so I’m hopeful of getting three points there, and then Redlands at Mackay the following week. If other results go our way, there’s a little bit of hope.”