Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Alannah Pearson/Olympic FC

Matt Thurtell further cemented his place in Brisbane Strikers history on Saturday, scoring the winning goal in his side’s 1-0 Canale Cup Final triumph over Olympic FC.

Played in soaking rain at Carmichael Park, Thurtell’s poacher’s goal sixminutes from time proved enough for Strikers to capture the trophy for the second time in their history.

While Olympic skipper Danny Byrne went closest early, it was Strikers’ Westfield FFA Cup hero Scot Coulson who was causing the most trouble with a pair of deliveries across the face of goal scrambled clear.

Kazuya Ito, moved into midfield, soon showed his ability in a new role, bypassing three defenders on a dribble through the centre of the pitch before testing Strikers goalkeeper Michael Turnbull from outside the area.

Olympic keeper Brandon Cuminao also remained busy throughout the first half, denying Coulson amongst several Strikers raid to keep scores level at the break.

Olympic did have some joy from Byrne’s crosses in the opening stanza but were unable to capitalise on the service after the restart as Ito headed over.

The two sides struggled to create many real openings in the slippery conditions, although Mark Fisk did go close to netting the opener for Olympic with a shot fizzing over the crossbar.

However, it was Strikers who managed to produce the decisive goal for a third victory over their cross town rivals this season.

First-half substitute Jackson Hall fired a powerful effort that Cuminao was unable to hold, allowing Thurtell to pounce on the loose ball and tuck away the finish.

Olympic was unable to create a chance in the final few minutes as Strikers’ back four, led by man of the match David Salin, remained firm.

The victory added to Strikers' 2006 win in the same competition for the Bowen Hills club and was the side’s first trophy under outgoing coach Chay Hews.

Brisbane Strikers 1 (Matt THURTELL 84’)
Olympic FC 0