Sport
9 May, 2026
United surge to top after 6-1 victory
EDGE Hill United surged to the top of the FQPL Far North ladder with a commanding 6-1 victory over Mareeba United at Tiger Park on Saturday night, delivering a clinical performance that underlined their premiership credentials.
The home side wasted no time asserting themselves, opening the scoring in just the fourth minute courtesy of an own goal that handed the Tigers an early advantage. Despite the setback, Mareeba showed resilience and began to settle into the contest, eventually finding an equaliser through Dillan Cummings in the 24th minute.
With the match evenly poised, Edge Hill responded in style. Lewis Marano restored the lead in the 34th minute, finishing off a slick attacking movement as the Tigers showcased their trademark free-flowing football.
The hosts carried a narrow 2-1 advantage into the half-time break, though the contest remained finely balanced.
The turning point came early in the second half when Mareeba’s stand-in defender Lino Kairi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Reduced to 10 men and already stretched defensively, the Bulls struggled to contain a Tigers side sensing opportunity.
Edge Hill capitalised ruthlessly. Marano completed his hat-trick with two more well-taken goals, while Kaleab Agegnehu added a brace to blow the scoreline out and seal an emphatic win for the home side.
The Tigers’ attacking cohesion and composure in front of goal proved too much for a depleted Mareeba outfit, who were unable to recover after the red card.
The result sees Edge Hill United move to the summit of the ladder, albeit having played one game more than second-placed Marlin Coast Rangers.
All eyes now turn to next Sunday’s blockbuster clash at Tiger Park, where the Tigers will host Marlin Coast in a top-of-the-table showdown.
Edge Hill United coach Ryan Murray was pleased with his side’s performance and their rise to first place.
“We played well tonight, our motivation was hitting the top of the league and we achieved that,” Murray said.
“Next week’s game against Marlin Coast will be a top-of-the table clash and we can’t wait.”
