Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland

Brisbane Strikers returned to the NPL Queensland top four on Sunday after defeating Brisbane Roar NYL 2-0 at Perry Park.

Matt Thurtell netted a goal in each half for Strikers, extending his season’s tally to 16 goals in 21 appearances.

Roar started the game positively, spurning an early chance when Todd Norris headed wide of the target from Shelford Dais’ cross.

The youngsters were dealt a blow fifteen minutes in when goalkeeper Denver Crickmore sustained an injury and had to be replaced by former Olympic FC shot stoper Ryan Meskell.

Strikers struck through a lightning counter-attack on 39 minutes as Keenan Duimpies and Jheison Macauce combined to put Thurtell through on goal – the prolific striker slotting home from 15 yards.

Thurtell doubled the advantage seven minutes into the second half with a glancing header from Scot Coulson’s cross.

Roar stepped up their game and forced Strikers to defend for long periods, but the breakthrough proved elusive.

Strikers goalkeeper Michael Turnbull showed sharp reflexes to deny Norris from close-range with ten minutes remaining.

The win lifts Strikers ahead of fellow finals contenders Moreton Bay United, who they meet next week at Wolter Park in their final match of the season.

A draw will be enough for Striker to secure a second consecutive NPL Queensland Finals appearance, while Jets must win if they are to taste finals football for the first time.

Strikers coach Chay Hews summed up the performance post-match.

“We knew the Roar boys were fit and they’re good players. They work really hard and they work to a system and they’re good at it,” he said.

“But I thought we seemed to get better as the game went on.  We probably tired a bit towards the end, but I’m pretty happy with the performance.”

Brisbane Strikers 2 (Matt THURTELL 39’ 52’)
Brisbane Roar NYL 0