New game plan pays off as Dragons qualify for grand final

“My perspective as a coach is that for a small town we have got a great club. We changed our perspective of our game plan this season focusing on possession, pressure on the opponent and a good tactical plan.

“With only one draw and a single loss, the season speaks for itself accumulating 106 goals. Some opposition even celebrated if they scored one goal against us. Even getting young talent in the team was great to see,” said Snel.

But Snel was philosophical about the future when he said it is important to get more local support from sponsors and Council. “We haven’t proven that we attract more players and supporters than other clubs and this is therefore a must.”

In their semi-final played at the beginning of the month against Marlin Coast, two great saves by Yukito Machiya towards the end of the game proved to be crucial and enabled the club to qualify directly for the Grand Final against Mareeba or Marlin Coast, who both get a final chance to qualify. The final is on Friday 15 October at Endeavour Park, Cairns. Kick-off is at 8:30pm.

Coast took an early lead, but after 20 minutes the equaliser came off the foot of Jamie Gosling with a lethal strike 35 metres out over the head of the Coast goalkeeper.

In the 25th minute, Dragons were rewarded with a penalty kick as a result of a handball inside the box by a Coast defender. Adam Howell made no mistake from the spot putting Dragons 2-1 ahead.

Chasing a third goal, Dragons came off worst in a scramble when defender Adam Howell got sent off.

Dragons adjusted with only 10 players on the park and would have gone 3-1 ahead but were adjudged off side and the goal was disallowed.

Meanwhile, if there is enough interest there will be a supporters’ bus at a reasonable price. Anyone interested should contact the club.