Cap Coast, Berserker on top

Bluebirds’ Bradd Dillon passes it on.

WET and windy conditions overshadowed the third round of the Capricorn Football League, but the effects of ex-tropical cyclone Ului couldn’t dampen some quality possession football.

Cap Coast and Berserker remain equal on points at the top of the ladder after fighting out a draw in challenging conditions at Yeppoon.

Tom Coote opened the scoring in the first half to complete a move he started in his own 18 yard box.

Coote headed square in defence before continuing his run to the other end of the park to smash home.

Simon Hogarth equalised for Berserker from a goalmouth scrap.

Both coaches lamented the chances their sides missed, but were pleased with the contest considering the conditions.

From the 5-1 result it would appear Bluebirds had few problems against Central on Saturday at Jardine Park but that was not the whole truth.

While the slow-turning Central defence was repeatedly caught out by a speedy Bluebirds’ attack, well led by Gerard Kelly, the Gladstone team showed enough tricks of their own up front to have scored more than the consolation gained late in the game.

Two goals in a couple of minutes midway through the first half, the first a lovely move finished by Kelly and the second a Jarrod Lancaster penalty, gave Bluebirds the platform for the win.

When a Matthew Sauer shot trickled under the Central keeper’s body to give Bluebirds a 3-0 half-time lead, the game was over as a contest.

For Bluebirds, Aaron Kelly and Lancaster looked composed in the middle, while Todd Batley had a solid match in front of the defence but it was Kelly who really looked the part for the Rockhampton-based team.

At Jardine Park, Clinton’s Aaron Duffy scored all four goals in their victory against Southside United.

Southside coach Trevor Woods said he felt the scoreline didn’t accurately reflect the game, but was happy with the way his side is coming along.

“We’re trying to change our style of play and that’s going to take time,” he said.

“We’ve played two of the top teams in this competition already, but we’re going to stick to our guns and when we play some of the other teams around our level we’ll really see how we go.”

Frenchville picked up their second win on the trot, beating the CQ Wildcats 2-1.

A goal to Clayton Rowland put Frenchville ahead midway through the first half before the Wildcats equalised before half-time.

Jordan Miller scored the winner in the second half.

Frenchville coach John Ganly praised his side’s ability to keep possession and control the game but insisted there was still room for improvement.

“It’s only our second match in and we can definitely improve,” Ganly said.

“I’m very happy with the possession in the first half but we need to work on our chances in the final third.”

The samba boys from Parkana picked up their first win of the season, with a 4-2 win at home against Yaralla.

SCORES

Cap Coast 1 Berserker 1

Bluebirds 5 Central 1

Southside 0 Clinton 4

Parkana 4 Yaralla 2

Frenchville 2 CQ Wildcats 1