Sport
24 May, 2025
Rangers beat Mackay
MARLIN Coast Rangers are one step closer to their dream of an Australia Cup finals spot after a historic 5-2 victory over the Mackay Lions at Townsville’s Paradise Park last Saturday.
The Rangers took the lead early when Josh Pin scored in the ninth minute, and after a few missed chances to make it 2-0, the Lions replied through captain Tim Heller, equalising before the 20-minute mark.
The match then became a battle for control, with both teams fighting for dominance for the next 40 minutes.
However, Marlin Coast player-coach Crios O’Hare took charge, scoring twice in quick succession to give his side a 3-1 lead.
Cooper Kennedy sealed the win for Marlin Coast with a fourth goal, making it 4-1 with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Mackay added a second goal late in the match, but Henri Mackenzie restored the Coast’s three-goal cushion with a stoppage-time strike to seal the win.
With this victory, Marlin Coast Rangers are now within reach of an Australia Cup final bid, and the potential of an A-League opponent.
A win in their next match on the weekend of June 14-15 – likely to be against a South-East Queensland NPL side – will see them progress to the Australia Cup round of 32, while also securing a spot in the final four of the Queensland Cup.
