In an incident filled game, Murwillumbah dominated Gold Coast Knights to win their first game of the season 5-1.

MFC took to the field in defence of their Premiership Title with a bit of an unknown team despite pre-season games.  A number of last year’s players have moved on and injuries to key players have kept them on the side line.

Only four familiar faces from last year took to the field. Two new squad members yet to play are new signings, goalkeeper Alessandro Amodei from Italy and mid-fielder Ismael Vergara from Chile. Both are awaiting clearances.

 The first half was a little scrappy with both teams looking to test the opposition. MFC kept their heads and looked for consistency of passing and attack whereas the Knights began resorting to rough and risky play, something they have a reputation for. The half time saw Knights one goal up but one player down after a send-off. 

The second half was characterised by an increasingly desperate Knights and an increasingly composed Murwillumbah. Steve Unsworth opened Murwillumbah’s scoring with a penalty after a blatant hand ball in the 18 yard box. Three minutes later Unsworth scored his second. 

The game continued with two more Knights’ send-offs and MFC goals from Leighton Pauley and Unsworth yet again. MFC replacement Sam Reynolds finished off the scoring. Full time score was 5-1 to MFC.

It was a good confident start to the season by MFC, proving that keeping your head against opposition provocation pays off.

The reserve grade also had a confident start to the season with a 3-3 draw. Despite being under strength, MFC dominated most of the game and can look forward to successful season. 

Next week MFC host Merrimac at Jim Devine Field in another home game. Reserves kick off at 3pm, firsts at 5.