Sport
1 July, 2026
U23 take 3-2 win over MCR
A BLISTERING two goal burst inside the opening 10 minutes set up a crucial win for Innisfail United’s under-23 men, who held off a determined Marlin Coast Rangers (MCR) outfit to claim a 3-2 victory at Castor Park, Mourilyan on 20 June.
Ryan Holly opened the scoring with a sharp strike that caught the keeper off guard before Ware Apen doubled the lead moments later with a cool one on one finish.
The visitors clawed one back late in the first half, sending the Cutters into the break with a narrow 2-1 advantage.
The second half became a tense arm wrestle.
After missing an initial penalty, Warren Nabanga made amends by latching onto a perfectly weighted ball in behind to restore the two goal buffer.
A penalty at the opposite end kept Marlin Coast in the hunt, but Innisfail’s defence held firm to secure a much needed home win.
The premier men, however, endured a far tougher outing, falling 3-1 to Marlin Coast despite a brilliant early strike from Jacob Moloney.
His long range free kick gave Innisfail a 1-0 lead they protected for an hour, but fading fitness proved costly as the visitors piled on three unanswered goals in the final 30 minutes.
The result was a frustrating step backwards after last weekend’s commanding 4-0 win over Leichhardt.
Coach John Cavanah did not shy away from the issues facing his side.
“This result says a lot about the players’ commitment to the club in terms of their availability on game days,” he said.
“Too many players have other interests that take them away from their desire to play for the club on weekends.
“This season, I have not been able to play the same team twice in succession, which is extremely disappointing.
“Over the years this is one of the best teams I have coached, but half of them have not got enough skin invested.”
Innisfail face a crucial home clash against the Southside Comets.
A loss could see the side drop from equal fourth to seventh, leaving their finals hopes in serious doubt.