Strikers Knock Jets Out Of Cup
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Brisbane Strikers FC
Brisbane Strikers are one match away from the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 after defeating Moreton Bay United 2-1 at Perry Park on Wednesday night.
A Cameron Draper brace topped and tailed the scoring for Strikers to see the club advance in Brisbane Zone Qualifying Round 6 after Royce Brownlie levelled terms for Jets in the first half.
Striker will now face the winner of the upcoming Redlands United and Ipswich Knights clash early next month for a chance to return to the Westfield FFA Cup national stage for a second straight year.
Buoyed by their home ground advantage, Strikers started promisingly as Draper headed wide in the opening minutes.
The defender went one better just before the quarter hour to open scoring - delivering a looping header home a free-kick from Greg King.
Brownlie tested Strikers goalkeeper Michael Weier midway through the half before levelling terms only a minute later - delivering a glancing headed finish from Jordan Farina’s free-kick on 25 minutes.
Jets continued to threaten as Jordan Farina and new signing Stephen Green spurned chances to take the lead, both missing the target in quick time.
Strikers also failed to grasp the lead before the break as Jets goalkeeper Luke Borean delivered a close range save to deny Jheison Macuace.
A more cautious start to the second half saw opportunities prove scarce until after the hour.
Joseph Champness couldn't turn his recent league form into cup glory for Jets with twenty minutes remaining, failing to turn home Charles Mendy’s cross with the goal at his mercy.
The miss became more poignant in the final ten minutes as Draper delivered his second of the night - volleying home from substitute Scot Coulson’s cross to again edge Strikers ahead.
Jets pushed for another equaliser however were denied by desperate defending from Draper and goalkeeping from Weier in the final minutes.
The result is the first time Jets have been defeated this season across both league and cup competitions.
Brisbane Strikers FC 2 (Cameron DRAPER 13’ 82’)
Moreton Bay United FC 1 (Royce BROWNLIE 26’)
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