Sport
15 May, 2026
United are ones to beat
INNISFAIL United continued their strong run of form with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mareeba United at Borzi Park last Saturday night, with the Cutters securing all three points thanks to a late winner from Harrison Corica.
Travelling to Mareeba is never an easy assignment in Far North football, but the Cutters showed composure and resilience throughout the contest to overcome a determined Bulls outfit in front of a vocal home crowd.
The opening stages were tightly contested as both sides settled into the match, but it was Innisfail who made the first breakthrough in the 13th minute. Christopher Clouss capitalised on an attacking opportunity with a well-taken finish to give the visitors the early advantage and settle the Cutters into the contest.
Mareeba responded strongly after conceding and gradually began to control possession through the middle stages of the first half. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 39th minute when Leon Peressini produced a clinical strike to level the scores at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The second half developed into an entertaining and physical battle, with both teams creating chances while working tirelessly across the park. The Cutters’ defensive unit stood tall under pressure, with central defender Kohei Nohara producing one of his best performances of the season. Time and time again Nohara disrupted the Bulls’ attacking movements and helped keep the dangerous home side from adding a second goal.
While Mareeba pressed hard late in the game, Innisfail remained patient and disciplined, waiting for their opportunity on the counterattack. That moment arrived in dramatic fashion in the 90th minute when Harrison Corica found the back of the net to hand the visitors a memorable late victory.
The result sees the Cutters continue building momentum as they head deeper into the season, while also highlighting the squad’s growing confidence in pressure situations.
Innisfail coach John Cavanah praised his side’s determination and ability to remain composed away from home.
“Coming to Mareeba is always one of the tougher road trips in this competition, so to come away with the three points is extremely pleasing,” Cavanah said.
“I thought both teams had periods where they controlled the game, but our boy’s stayed patient and worked hard right until the final whistle. Defensively we were very solid, especially through the middle, and Kohei Nohara was outstanding for us all night.
“The pleasing thing for me was the composure late in the game. We didn’t panic and when the opportunity came, we took it. Harrison finished it well and the boys deserved the reward for the effort they put in.
“It’s still early in the season, but these sorts of wins build confidence and belief within the group.”
It’s another road trip to Calanna Park for the Cutters as they take on the Redlynch Strikers next Sunday 17 May.