Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Steve Pitman
Images: Brisbane Strikers FC

Brisbane Strikers are firming as genuine finals contenders following a 4-0 demolition of the in-form SWQ Thunder at Perry Park.

Defender Greig Henslee delivered Strikers a single goal advantage following a tight first-half before the hosts stormed home in the final quarter of the contest.

Rhys Meredith doubled the advantage with his fourth goal in as many games midway through the second stanza before Thunder’s hopes of a comeback were dashed by the dismissal of Jackson Haussler.

The hosts struck twice more in the final five minutes to ice the result – Alistair Davis netting his maiden PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues goal before Trent Clulow wrapped it up with his first goal of the season.

The win is Strikers second in as many outings against a top four side – and their first clean sheet of the season - and moves them to the top half of the table for the first time this year.

The result also extends Strikers perfect all-time record against Thunder – now holding the Toowoomba-based club scoreless in five meetings over the past three seasons.

Key Moments

7’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – Mustafa Jafari looks to open accounts with a direct free-kick but his low effort scoots across the face of goal

13’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow strikes a rasping left-footed effort from the edge of the area but is denied by a tidy save from Thunder goalkeeper Luke Borean

14’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – The visitors threaten on the counter-attack but Mustafa Jafari sends his shot wide of the far post

26’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Shelford Dais’ cross is met by the head of Jesse Wiemers but the winger steers it wide of the target

34’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – A corner kick is nodded-on by Jake Marshall and is met by Greig Henslee at the back post who delivers a composed volleyed finish

54’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Jesse Wiemer’s corner kick is met with a glancing header by Jake Marshall but he is denied by the cross bar

65’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Rhys Meredith beats a pair of Thunder defenders after setting off from half-way but sees his shot hit the post

72’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Another stunning run from Rhys Meredith this time gets the better of three defenders before placing a left-footed finish past Luke Borean

72’ – RED CARD FOR THUNDER – Jackson Haussler is given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for dissent

86’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Alistair Davis seals the points by strolling on to Trent Clulow’s pass and tucking his finish past Luke Borean

90’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow ices the win by placing a neat finish into the top corner with the final kick of the contest

What They Said

“It’s certainly a new and improved Thunder side and they’ve certainly come a long way from last season and previous seasons. But I thought we were fairly comfortable without being great.“ – Greig Henslee, Brisbane Strikers FC

“Second half we were regathering and started well and then a silly send-off that should never have happened killed us off. The boys panicked a bit and didn’t reshape and the Strikers took advantage.“ – Michael Turvey, SWQ Thunder FC assistant coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 5
Saturday, April 2
Perry Park, Brisbane

Brisbane Strikers FC 4 defeat SWQ Thunder FC 0

Brisbane Strikers FC

Goals – Grieg HENSLEE 34’, Rhys MEREDITH 72’, Alistair DAVIS 86’, Trent CLULOW 90’
Yellow cards – Christopher MAHER 7’, Jake MCLEAN 64’
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Sebastian USAI, 2. Christopher MAHER, 4. Jake MARSHALL, 5. Greig HENSLEE, 7. Shelford DAIS, 8. Michael ANGUS, 9. Rhys MEREDITH (10. Alistair DAVIS 79’), 12. Shaun CARLOS (6. Fraser HILLS 59’), 13. Sam KNIGHT, 15. Jesse WIEMERS (14. Jake MCLEAN 59’), 18. Trent CLULOW

Unused – 20. Michael WEIER, 24. Ryan PALMER

SWQ Thunder FC

Goals - none
Yellow cards – Luke BOREAN 25’, Rowan SALOMON 30’, Jackson HAUSSLER 72’
Red cards – Jackson HAUSSLER 72’

Squad – 1. Luke BOREAN , 2. Rowan SALOMON, 3. Keagan SHERIDAN, 4. Benjamin BARROWCLIFT, 5. Xavier PRATT, 6. Jackson HAUSSLER, 7. Thomas FANNING, 8. Lachlan ATKINSON, 10. Mustafa JAFARI (16. Nykodah SMITH 59’), 15. Kevin DOYLE (11. Majok PIOK 45’), 19. Jacob BIGBY (18. Adam DALY 84’)

Unused – 14. Kyle PARISH, 20. Jayden FORMOSA,

Match officials – Rebecca DURCAU (referee), Tarran RICHARDS (assistant), Max CRANE (assistant), Patrick DWYER (fourth)