Words: Matt Dorman, Olympic FC
Image: Alannah Pearson, Olympic FC

Brisbane Strikers have completed a season double over crosstown rivals Olympic FC, fighting back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Goodwin Park on Sunday.

Having fallen 2-0 behind inside 25 minutes, Strikers pulled a goalback on the stroke of half time through Dan Partridge before second-half strikes from Jackson Hall and Jheison Macuace sealed the comeback.

The home side took the lead in only the third minute when Jake McLean looped his header from the edge of the area into the far corner from a Kazuya Ito cross.

McLean might have had a second on the quarter hour when he side-footed a loose ball across the face goal, while at the other end Scot Coulson bent a promising free kick over the crossbar for Strikers

Olympic doubled their lead in the 24th minute through debutant Rhys Meredith, as the former Redlands United forward found space inside the penalty area to confidently finish a left-sided delivery.

The hosts were cruising at that stage and went close to a third when Reuben Way wrapped his foot around a Tim Smits knock-down, drawing a solid save from Strikers goalkeeper David Chambers

The visitors fired a warning shot soon after via Matt Thurtell’s effort on the turn, but made the breakthrough two minutes from the break when Partridge converted Macuace’s byline cutback.

Strikers were clearly still buoyed by the goal after the restart as within three minutes they were level.

A direct pass through the Olympic defence appeared to be short on danger when Cuminao was first to it, but the young ‘keeper lost control of the ball and Hall was on hand to tap into an empty net.

The reigning champions were rattled and with the top four in sight Strikers continued to press forward, earning their greatest reward of the night in the 55th minute.

Keenan Duimpies sent a raking pass down the left for Thurtell to reel in and square a pass into the penalty area where Macuace arrived finished tidily to complete the 12-minute turnaround.

Olympic might have found a quick way back into the contest on the hour when an incisive Danny Byrne through ball landed in Way’s path, but defender Chris Maher applied enough pressure to ensure the shot was straight at Chambers.

The red and white assumed much of the attacking intent for the remaining period, pushing and probing for an equaliser of their own, but Strikers remained disciplined as the closed out their second win of the season against the defending NPL Queensland champions.

Olympic will aim for a return to form away to Western Pride next weekend while Strikers, now riding high after four straight wins, can make it five from five at home to Northern Fury.

Olympic FC 2 (Jake MCLEAN 3′, Rhys MEREDITH 24′)
Brisbane Strikers 3 (Dan PARTRIDGE 43′, Jackson HALL 48′, Jheison MACUACE 55′)