Snakes Start Strong with Opening Round Victory Over Capalaba

James Stuart

Caboolture opened their 2026 FQPL1 campaign with a composed 3-1 away victory over Capalaba on Saturday evening, getting their season off to the ideal start with three points on the board.

Having already defeated the Bulldogs in the Kappa Pro Series group stage, the Snakes entered the match confident, and for much of the first half, that confidence showed. Orlando Lopez broke the deadlock in the 26th minute to give Caboolture a deserved lead. From there, the visitors looked in control and carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime, appearing on course for another routine win over their familiar opponents.

But Capalaba were not ready to roll over. In the 67th minute, they found an equaliser that briefly threw the contest into uncertainty and threatened to derail Caboolture’s strong start to the season.

To their credit, the Snakes responded exactly as promotion contenders should. Rather than retreat, they found another gear. A goal in the 77th minute restored their lead, before a third in the 83rd sealed the result and ensured there would be no late drama. The 3-1 final score ultimately reflected Caboolture’s quality and control across the majority of the contest.

Elsewhere around the league, the opening round produced several notable results. Holland Park Hawks defeated Logan Lightning 2-0, while Robina City made an early statement with a commanding 4-0 win over relegation-favoured Ipswich FC. Sunshine Coast Wanderers and Redlands United shared the points in a 1-1 draw, as did Brisbane Strikers and North Star FC. Broadbeach United produced the biggest score of the round, thumping St. George Willawong 5-1.

Caboolture now turn their attention to their first home fixture of the season next week, where they will welcome Robina City to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. After both sides opened their campaigns with convincing wins, it shapes as an early test of where the Snakes truly sit in the 2026 pecking order.