FQPL Far North: 16-year old lights up Pennell Field with hat-trick heroics for Marlin Coast Rangers
In a riveting clash between local rivals Marlin Coast Rangers and Edge Hill United Tigers, the spotlight shone brightly on the young shoulders of 16-year-old Marlin Coast attacker Cooper Kennedy, who orchestrated a sensational hat-trick.
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In a riveting clash between local rivals Marlin Coast Rangers and Edge Hill United Tigers, the spotlight shone brightly on the young shoulders of 16-year-old Marlin Coast attacker Cooper Kennedy, who orchestrated a sensational hat-trick.
Guiding his side to a 3-1 victory at Pennell Field on Sunday evening, Marlin Coast goalkeeper Kev Ward said Kennedy was in the zone from the first minute.
“He was dominant the entire game from the opening,”
“He’s an entirely different player to last season, he’s put on weight, has more of a football brain, his energy is high and he’s starting to become a consistent goal scorer and a well-rounded striker.”
The match was steeped in anticipation after an intriguing off-season which saw the former Edge Hill United coach Crios O’Hare take charge of Marlin Coast Rangers, bringing with him a cohort of 15 former players from the Tigers.
The max exodus after their outstanding run of 12 trophies in five years under O’Hare, included Kennedy, Charlie Beverley, Oliver Berry, Josh Taylor, Oscar Rodriguez, Luke Balderson and former Marlin Coast juniors Kev Ward and Josh De Nittis.
The tension was palpable as both sides eyed victory but the encounter kicked off with a cagey first half.
There was cautious build-up play and frequent turnovers in midfield by both sides with Edge Hill United slightly on top.
However, it was Marlin Coast who drew first blood, as Kennedy broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a deadeye finish.
Edge Hill United responded swiftly, with winger Ruqi Clyde launching a rocket from outside the box levelling the scores just before halftime.
As the teams emerged from the interval, Marlin Coast Rangers orchestrated key substitutions which saw the introduction of Jerry Balart and Jeffrey Lassche, injecting a boost into Marlin Coast’s midfield.
“Our attitude and mentality was better in the second half, we were winning tackles and second balls,” O’Hare said.
“We needed someone to go and get possession and keep the ball moving and Jeffrey Lassche dropped into that position.”
The impact was immediate as Marlin Coast set-up a mid-block and seized control of the midfield, suffocating Edge Hill’s attacking endeavours and forcing their centre halves into desperate long balls. The defensive quartet of Oliver Berry, Kai Kumar, Josh De Nittis, and captain Charlie Beverley stood firm, repelling every Edge Hill incursion with steely determination.
Cooper Kennedy again emerged as the undeniable star of the show, tormenting his former club with a right foot predatory finish and a towering header to complete the perfect hat-trick. He found the back on the net once again before a tight off-side call denied his fourth.
O’Hare said Kennedy was an offensive force against his former side.
“He certainly proved a few of the doubters wrong,” he said.
“Super happy for him to be playing with confidence and scoring goals.
“As I striker myself, I work with Cooper really closely, I know his value and quality, he’s an alert and powerful attacker and he’s got a high potential.”
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Originally published as FQPL Far North: 16-year old lights up Pennell Field with hat-trick heroics for Marlin Coast Rangers
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