Words: Matt Dorman

Brisbane Strikers have been forced to settle for a point from their final BLK Silver Boot game after being held 2-2 by UQFC at Lions Stadium on Tuesday night.

Jonti Richter gave Strikers the lead around the hour mark but they were pegged back soon after by Sam Henny as the two sides shared the points.

Kevin A’herne-Evans’ men had the chance to make a perfect start in the 4^th minute when a heavy touch and rash challenge from UQFC keeper Sam Long sent Jheison Macuace to the spot, but Long redeemed himself with a fine low save to deny the livewire attacker.

The underdogs carried that momentum into the lead just eight minutes later as Darryl Grant got on the end of a low cross from the left to make it 1-0.

Macuace soon atoned for his earlier miss though, levelling matters midway through the first half with a glancing hander from Greg King’s cross.

While Strikers’ chances of the heavy goal-swing required to reach the Semi Finals were fading, Richter did increase hopes of a fourth pre-season win with a neatly chipped finish from Trent Clulow’s through pass.

Henny ensured any joy was short-lived however as the former Olympic FC man restored parity in the 68^th minute, following up on Michael Turnbull's initial save.

That was to be the final goal of the game, ensuring both teams exited the BLK Silver Boot at the group stage,

Strikers’ next assignment is a friendly match against Rochedale Rovers on Saturday.

University of Queensland FC  2 (Darren GRANT 12’, Sam HENNY 68’)
Brisbane Strikers FC  2 (Jheison MACUACE 19’, Jonti RICHTER 64’)