Sport
19 June, 2026
Rangers in historic victory
IN front of a roaring, packed-out home crowd at Pennell Field, Trinity Beach-based Marlin Coast Rangers created football history on Saturday night by defeating Brisbane powerhouse Logan Lightning 3-1.
The breathtaking victory makes Coast the first regional team ever to advance to the national round of 32 under the current Australia Cup structure, which could mean a clash against an A-League club next month.
The milestone in the club’s 80th anniversary year provides the ultimate redemption after a heartbreaking extra-time loss at the exact same stage last year, while also catapulting the side into their first-ever Kappa Queensland Cup semi-finals.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Josh Taylor launched a trademark long throw into the 18-yard box, allowing inspirational club captain Charlie Beverley to rise highest and direct a superb header past the Logan keeper.
Marlin Coast took total control in the second half. In the 55th minute, Fabrice Kouby turned his defender inside out on the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross to Taylor, who ghosted in to plant a clinical close-range header into the net.
Beverley then secured his brace in the 78th minute, superbly volleying home with his right foot from the edge of the box after a corner was cleared into his path.
Logan Lightning managed a consolation goal in the 86th minute, but it was far too late to stop the celebrations.
Head coach Crios O’Hare praised the collective effort on a special night for the club.
“What a night for the club. I’m incredibly proud of our players for securing a historic place in the Australia Cup round of 32,” he said.
“The support from our fans was outstanding and the atmosphere created by our volunteers, grounds crew and canteen staff was first class.
“This achievement belongs to the entire club – players, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and members. Thank you for being part of a special night in our club’s history. See you in the round of 32.”
With the official Australia Cup draw set for later this month, Coast could potentially bring a professional, top-tier A-League club to Cairns when both the round of 32 and the Queensland Cup semi-finals kick off this July.
