Words: Michael Flynn

Jordan Farina struck a dramatic injury time equaliser allowing Moreton Bay United to edge out Peninsula Power on penalties in a thrilling Macron Cup showdown on Saturday night.

Farina delivered a brace to book-end further goals to Jackson Hall and Taiga Ishikura as Jets twice fought back from a goal down in the second half to level the score 4-4 at full-time.

Jonathan Marriaya then settled the contest in the penalty shoot-out after Jets goalkeeper Matt Stein saved an earlier attempt from Power’s Mitch Buhmann.

Played at a frantic pace throughout Jets saw off a threatening start from Power to take the lead after just eleven minutes – Farina delivering a trademark curling free-kick past Power goalkeeper Antony Hall.

Jackson Hall doubled the visitor's advantage only minutes later when he latched onto a Ishikura cross before beating a defender converting a sharp finish on the angle.

Power continued to fail to make the most of their chances as former Jet Charles Mendy was brought down in the box only to see his resulting penalty attempt saved by Stein.

However, the pressure ultimately told on the Jets and the hosts finally broke through on the half hour when Christopher Swain tucked home a low cross to halve the deficit.

The momentum remained with Power as Matthew Sanchez controlled and then finished from a well-placed direct ball before Mendy made amends for his earlier miss by adding his side’s third.

Jets levelled terms shortly after the restart as the to-and-fro accelerated – Ishikura heading his first goal in Jets colours after meeting a lofted cut-back from Farina.

But parity proved short-lived as Kado Aoci restored Power’s lead with a shot that deflected across the line off the underside of the crossbar.

Jets task was further complicated when substitute Liam Fairgreaves was dismissed only minutes after entering the fray for a rash challenge with a quarter hour remaining.

But an extended period of time added on provided another opportunity for Farina – the attacking midfielder getting in behind from a direct pass from Kelly then cutting on to his left foot slide his finish past Hall.

In the ensuing shoot-out both sides converted their three strike allocation to force sudden death – Stein saving Buhmann’s attempt with his trailing leg before Marraiya delivered the match-winner against his former club.

The result marks a third pre-season win in seven days for Jets over Brisbane Premier League opposition. They continue their Macron Cup campaign next weekend against fellow opening round winners Olympic FC.

Macron Cup 2016
Saturday, January 23
A.J.Kelly Park, Moreton Bay

Peninsula Power FC  4 (Christopher SWAIN 30’, Matthew SANCHEZ 40’, Charles MENDY 45’ Kado AOCI 59’)
Moreton Bay United FC  4 (Jordan FARINA 11’ 90+2’, Jackson HALL 14’, Taiga ISHIKURA 54’)

Moreton Bay United win 4-3 on penalties