News Mail

Monday 14/6/2010

Spirit puts Thurtell on top

By MURRAY WENZEL

FOOTBALL: Bundaberg Toyota Spirit will be having nightmares about Brisbane Strikers gun Matt Thurtell for weeks to come. The goal-scoring whiz racked up four in Brisbane's 7-1 rout of the Spirit in Albion on Saturday night. It took him to the lead in the QSL Golden Boot competition.

The Spirit's heaviest loss of the season sent them crashing back down to earth after last week's breakthrough win. Playing without injured recruit Nick Fitzgerald, the Spirit had no answer to the brilliance of the second-placed team. The youth team fared better, but still went down 3-1, finishing the game with nine players on the park.

Spirit's loss was compounded by the news Capricorn Cougars – the team in the race with the Spirit for the wooden spoon – surprised FNQ Bulls with a 3-2 win. They are now seven points behind the Cougars, but have three consecutive home games to look forward to.

The appearance of 2009 Spirit defender Jason De Papi training with the top squad last week may also bring hope to the squad, although his fragile knee may not be ready for QSL competition just yet. Despite a torrid season, Spirit captain Brett Kitching continues to collect votes in the Most Valuable Player category. Kitching sits equal fifth on nine votes.