Match Result
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Caloundra United | 3 |
| Buderim Power | 5 |
Venue: Maroochydore (Fishermans Road) · Field 5
Match Report
A cool Sunshine Coast evening provided the perfect backdrop for football, but the result was far from ideal as Caloundra United suffered a third consecutive league defeat, going down 5–3 to Buderim Power at Fishermans Road. The loss is a significant blow to United’s season ambitions, with the side now bumped outside the top four and facing a difficult climb back into contention.
United Slip Out of Top Four Despite Jared Hat-Trick
Key Moments
Buderim drew first blood in the 5th minute, but Caloundra responded emphatically. Jared levelled matters at the 10-minute mark with a cool finish at the back post, Aaron using his pace to get in behind to the byline with a smart cross — a Caloundra masterclass. United doubled the lead on 20 minutes with Brackley providing Jared a sneaky little assist in a crowded penalty box. Jared completed a superb first-half hat-trick on the half-hour mark — again set up by Mark, this time a Kevin De Bruyne-esque cross on a plate — giving United a commanding 3–1 lead at the break.
Three goals in twenty minutes — Jared’s hat-trick was a masterclass in clinical finishing, and the partnership with Mark was a real highlight of the night.
A Second Half to Forget
The second half told a very different story. Buderim Power mounted a relentless comeback, netting on 53, 55, and 63 minutes to turn the match on its head — one of which came from a questionable penalty incident. A yellow card for Aaron on 75 minutes added to the frustration, and a fifth Buderim goal on 83 minutes sealed a deflating defeat.
Goals
| Minute | Scorer | Assist | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’ | Buderim Power | — | Buderim Power | 0-1 |
| 10’ | Jared | Aaron | Caloundra United | 1-1 |
| 20’ | Jared | Mark | Caloundra United | 2-1 |
| 30’ | Jared | Mark | Caloundra United | 3-1 |
| 53’ | Buderim Power | — | Buderim Power | 3-2 |
| 55’ | Buderim Power | — | Buderim Power | 3-3 |
| 63’ | Buderim Power | — | Buderim Power | 3-4 |
| 83’ | Buderim Power | — | Buderim Power | 3-5 |
Standout Performers
- Mark Brackley — Man of the Match. The big-money summer signing delivered two creative assists and was consistently influential throughout.
- Jared — A superb first-half hat-trick, clinical in front of goal.
- Brando — Huge between the sticks, making several important saves to keep United in the contest.
- Aaron — Pace down the byline to set up the equaliser; later booked on 75 minutes.
- Christian — A welcome return to the fold, the attacking midfielder putting in good minutes and moments of pure class on his comeback.
Injury & Availability Update
- Keith — absent (somewhere in Europe eating bagels)
- Paul — absent (hamstring)
- Luke — absent (hamstring)
- Injury concerns: Andy, Jack, Brando (groin), and Nigel — all carrying knocks into next week.
Looking Ahead: Coolum Is a Must-Win
Three consecutive defeats and a slip out of the top four means the situation demands an immediate response. The squad must regroup quickly and address the defensive frailties that allowed Buderim to overturn a two-goal deficit so emphatically. Next week’s fixture against Coolum is, quite simply, a must-win. The pathway back into the top four remains open, but the margin for error is narrowing. United will need their injured players fit, their combinations sharp, and their collective resolve fully restored.
Filed by Dan Hope · 22 May 2026