Friday night saw a game between Douglas United and Dimbulah in the FNQ Football Third Division at Dimbulah. The game would be the first round of the play-offs with the winner progressing straight to the final.

In a game that was closer than the scoreline would reflect, Douglas would face the disappointment of a loss at full time and head towards a showdown with Marlin Coast to book the last place in the grand final.

The game started well for Douglas who would be dominating possession early on, and not long into the game they forced a corner. James Turner would deliver the set piece which would be headed into the net for the Dragons be Kev Hann to take the game to 1-0.

For a long period of play in the first half Douglas had control, creating many half chances, forcing corners and taking their time with decent build up play.

Then a game changing moment presented itself to the top goal scorer of the Division, Douglas striker Adam Wright.

Through one on one with the keeper Adam dragged the ball wide and Douglas knew that chances may not come again. However, almost straight after, Adam was through again this time with some support, but after choosing to go alone he tested the keeper with an effort on target but the keeper was able to match it and force the ball wide.

Leading at half time the Dragons felt confident they could close the game out and leave with the win. But as the second half started to unfold something was very apparent - the high tempo that Douglas had produced in the first half was now coming back to haunt them as a very strong back line became tired and injured.

Get sports news first on The Newsport Sport

After Kevin Hann was taken off with a knock and Kane Kerswell was struggling to keep up with the pace of the game after being out for a period - the Dragons started to unravel.

In a thirty minute period Dimbulah produced a few good moves and the Dragons produced some very sloppy, tired and disappointing play. Dimbulah would quite comfortably score four goals over that thirty minute period to all but wrap up the game, and place in the final.

Trying to show they were not down and out Douglas did get a goal back through Adam Wright who was able to finish this one on one opportunity off to bring the game to 4-2.

Then, with minutes left, a deep ball into the box gave Ben Syrette a free shot on goal to make it 4-3. Unfortunately for Ben his shot at the keeper was held.

The Paddy's Irish Bar Man of the match award would go to Daniel Ferrero who is showing maturity beyond his age at this level both mentally and physically.

At the full time whistle Douglas could feel proud of the performance produced in the first half. With the tiredness and injures accumulated in the second half they had been unable to hold on to that lead.

Tomorrow night Douglas will head to Marlin Coast in a win at all costs game for a place in the grand final against Dimbulah.