Words: Michael Flynn

Moreton Bay United and Brisbane Strikers were the stand-out clubs of the regular season and will meet for the fourth time this year in a blockbuster PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Men's Grand Final on Sunday.

For both teams the match marks their first appearance in a PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final - so no matter the result, history is certain to be made.

2015 Premiers Moreton Bay United lead the league for much of the home-and-away campaign on the back of inspirational leadership from the league's all-time leading goalscorer Royce Brownlie and a raft of young up-and-comers including attacking midfielders Jackson Hall, Jordan Farina and Charles Mendy.

Despite their exploits in front of goal, it is defence that ultimately wins titles - and Jets boast one of the best in the comp lead by centre-half pairing Alex Henderson and Scott Stewart and goalkeeping stalwart Luke Borean, who have combined for five clean sheets this year.

In the Jets favour is the familiar surrounds of their Wolter Park home ground, which is one of the most compact pitches in the competition.

However, the Jets record against Strikers remains a blemish on their all-time record - drawing twice in the league and being eliminated from the Westfield FFA Cup by their Grand Final opponents in 2015 and not recording a win in fixtures between the two sides in over two years.

Despite that record Strikers are aware previous results count for nothing come match day and have limited media access as they seek to focus the players on the task at hand.

They will be guided by skipper Michael Angus in midfield and relying on the competition’s most miserly back four - including veteran Greig Henslee, Semi-Final match-winner Chris Maher and the multidimensional Frenchman David Salin.

Up front a contingent of first season break-out performers provide the attacking impetus, including Trent Clulow, Fraser Hills and late season addition Apiah Ukuno - the latter netting five goals in just four starts.

Add to that the extra motivation of seeking to overcome a dissapointing conclusion to the home-and-away season and Strikers will provide a stern test for the Premiers.

In last weekend’s Semi-Finals both teams left it late to qualify for the Grand Final - Jets scoring twice in the final five minutes of regular time to overcome Olympic FC 3-1, while Strikers required extra time to eliminate Redlands United 2-1.

This match will be live streamed with play-by-play commentary by Football Queensland at www.nplqld.com.au

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Men’s Grand Final

Moreton Bay United FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay
Kick-off at 5:00PM

Quick Guide to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Men’s Grand Final

Previous meetings this season:

19 April, 2015 (Round 6) at Perry Park, Brisbane
Brisbane Strikers FC  1 (Joshua AHERN)
Moreton Bay United FC  1 (Daniel CLARK)

11 July, 2015 (Round 17) at Wolter Park, Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay United FC  2 (Royce BROWNLIE, Jackson HALL)
Brisbane Strikers FC  2 (Jheison MACUACE, Apiak UKUNO)

20 May, 2015 (Westfield FFA Cup Preliminary Round 6) at Perry Park, Brisbane
Brisbane Strikers FC  2 (Cameron DRAPER x2)
Moreton Bay United FC  1 (Royce BROWNLIE)

All-Time PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland record:

Played: 6 (Moreton Bay United - 1 win, Brisbane Strikers - 3 wins, Draws - 2)

Moreton Bay United 2015 Season Stats (including 2015 Finals Series):

Record: 15 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses (23 games total)
Goal differential: +31 (57 scored, 26 conceded)
Clean sheets: 5
Biggest Win: 7-0 vs Sunshine Coast FC (14 March)
Biggest Defeat: 2-4 vs Olympic FC (29 May)
Top goal scorers: Royce BROWNLIE (14 goals), Charles MENDY (9), Jordan FARINA (7)

 

 

 

Brisbane Strikers 2015 Season Stats (including 2015 Finals Series):

Record: 15 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses (23 games total)
Goal differential: +28 (51 scored, 23 conceded)
Clean sheets: 8
Biggest Win: 6-0 vs SWQ Thunder (16 May)
Biggest Defeat: 2-5 vs Northern Fury (1 August)
Top goal scorers: Jheison MAUACE (14 goals), Trent CLULOW (9), Apai UKUNO (7)