South-West Queensland Thunder started their first senior NPL Queensland campaign on Saturday night with an hard-fought 3-2 victory over CQFC Energy at Jardine Park in Rockhampton.

A double for Ryan Ensor proved decisive for the visitors, while Innocent Taban also netted a brace for the hosts, in a match filled with chances for both sides as Innocent Taban also netted a brace.

The home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, however, individual errors ultimately proved costly for Energy at their second home, following a mid-week switch of venue from Rugby Park.

The match was just eight minutes old when Ensor seized on a Bryce Ruthven mistake to put his side into an early lead, calmly slotting the ball into the corner of the net past advancing Energy keeper Andrew Poyser.

The hosts fought back, and only minutes later energetic winder Jordan Miller produced a long-range effort that had Thunder goalkeeper Stuart Campbell scrambling to tip wide of the post.

Miller fashioned another chance shortly after when he teed up Taban, who he scuffed his shot to not trouble the goalkeeper.

However, the attacker made amends on the half hour as he climbed well to head home from a wide free-kick delivered by impressive youngster Jake Wilson.

With the game in the balance, Energy’s defenders were guilty of diving in as the Thunder continued to probe with half-time nearing.

A poorly timed tackle inside the box resulted in a penalty on 38 minutes. Jack Percy duly converting from the spot to give the Thunder a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Energy coach Ray Wood made changes and the home side opened the second half brightly, moving the ball around with greater speed and intent.

It paid divididends on 53 minutes when Taban popped up for his second goal of the match, pouncing on a parried save from Campbell following Wilson’s long range strike

Thunder were back in front only three minutes later when Ensor capitalised on a loose ball in the penalty area after the home side’s defenders failed to deal with a long-ball.

From there on Thunder were content to play a patient game, choosing their moments when to press and quickly break in numbers.

The visitors absorbed increasing amounts of pressure as the full-time whistle loomed but Energy were unable to find the equaliser for their loyal home fans.