Sport
5 June, 2026
United go down to Dolphins
A PAIR of gutsy but ultimately heartbreaking losses marked a tough outing for Innisfail United on 23 May, with both the under-23 and premier men’s sides going down to Stratford in their Football Queensland Premier League clashes.
The premier men’s match was a seven goal thriller, with Innisfail pushing Stratford all the way before falling 4-3 at Nick Brko Field, Stratford.
Forced into four squad changes due to injuries and unavailability, the reshuffled Cutters handed first starts of the season to Ashton Vecchio and Zaviah Di Carlo, while Ryan Holly stepped in during the second half.
Despite the disruption, Innisfail produced moments of brilliance. Liam Crossland bagged a double and Di Carlo announced himself in style with a cracking goal to open his season tally.
Cutters coach John Cavanah said he was proud of the effort under difficult circumstances.
“I didn’t expect too much with so many team changes, but we battled away and were unlucky losers on the night,” he said.
In the under-23s match, Innisfail also showed promise before eventually going down 4-2 to Stratford.
Amos Smith and Nicola John found the net and the Cutters went into halftime locked at 2–2 with plenty of chances to take the lead.
But two sin bins reduced them to 10 men on separate occasions, and Stratford capitalised.
Innisfail United coach Chris Clauss said the team showed plenty of heart despite the setbacks.
“We rolled out with a very different line up with a few boys getting their first minutes in reserve grade. Considering how much the line up had to be shaken up, the grit and determination were outstanding.”