U13s JPL BOYS FIGHT FROM FOUR GOALS DOWN TO SECURE FIRST POINT OF THE SEASON AFTER BEING PROMOTED FROM DIVISION ONE
Our U13s JPL Boys continue to set the bar high in a remarkable start to their first season of competitive football. After punching above their weight in a difficult 2024 campaign, the boys were graded into Division 1 ahead of the new season.
A 9-0 victory in their opening game of the year against the Musgrave Mustangs, followed by a measured 4-2 triumph over Somerset, was enough to earn our U13s promotion from Division 1 to the Junior Premier League. The boys are now playing in the highest competition available and proudly represent the Tamborine Mountain Eagles as their only club competing in the JPL.
Underdogs again as they entered our new competition, the boys travelled away to face undefeated league-leaders Musgrave in their first JPL game. A sobering first half saw the boys 6-2 down, but a massive resurgence after the break saw them end the game 8-4 after a proud and commanding second half.
Their second match came against a strong Runaway Bay side, who defeated the boys 3-1 in a frantic game under heavy rainfall. They continued to take what they learned in stride and delivered an excellent collective display against Ormeau. Despite their dominance, a brilliant freekick from the hosts and painfully poor luck in front of the opposition goal condemned the boys to a 2-1 defeat.
With no wins in their first three games, the pressure was heavy as our U13s JPL Boys welcomed a strong Broadbeach United side to Long Road Sports Centre. Two injuries inside the first fifteen minutes left Coach Chandler Milligan with zero defenders on the field, and he quickly found his side 4-0 down against a ruthlessly clinical rival.
But, competing with their backs against the wall is where this courageous team thrives. With two quick goals before the break, the belief was re-ignited, and the boys returned to the field without a glance of doubt.
Three quick goals saw our Eagles Boys reap a 5-4 lead, but Broadbeach responded quickly to make it 5-5. Despite a catalogue of close chances and brilliant passages of football, our U13s JPL Boys couldn’t find the breakthrough. Still, they walked off defiantly at full-time with their heads held high, winning their first point of the season with a monumental comeback.
A statement made to those who underestimate us, and a pure demonstration of our Eagles’ spirit. Not even four goals could silence the boys, and they’re just getting started.
Story by Chandler Milligan
Photograph from Scott Hayter
