DOMINATING possession did not translate into victory for the Gympie under-19 Fire last weekend.

Playing at home on the One Mile Ovals against SC Zone 16s, the Fire lost a tight game 2-1.

Gympie coach Greg Plumb said it was a game his side had every chance of winning.

“We dominated in the first half and had plenty of chances so we could have won the game there,” he said.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute and it was not until the 25th minute that Fire player Dean Feldmeier found the back of the net to lock up the score.

Gympie started strongly in the second half but a penalty to the Sunshine Coast team sealed the Fire's defeat.

“I made a few changes to the team so I'm not sure if that is what the difference was in the second half,” Plumb said.

The game was important for the Fire to reignite its passion after hitting a low point a week earlier in the devastating loss to Sunshine Coast competition top division side Noosa in a friendly.

Plumb said half his players had bounced back from feeling despondent after the friendly hit-out.

“Over half of the squad has reacted the way I wanted them to,” he said. “They are trying hard and producing on the pitch.

“The other half have gone the other way and motivation is still a big issue.”

To address the division creeping into his players, Plumb plans to speak individually to players battling to remain focused.

“I want to keep the lines of communication open with my players,” he said.

The Fire is in action again this Saturday at the One Mile Ovals against Bundaberg.

The match kicks off at 3pm and the game is another Plumb believes his side can win.