Words: Simon Smale
Image: Getty Images

Brisbane Strikers are within one match of a third straight Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 berth after ousting Southside Eagles 2-0 at Memorial Park.

Two goals at either end of the match bookended the victory and ensure a Preliminary Round 7 date with Lions FC.

Rhys Meredith gave the visitors the lead inside two minutes but Strikers struggled to put Eagles away despite a steady string of chances.

The deciding goal finally arrived in the 89^th minute when first half substitute Felli Sheriff pounced on a deflected free kick from Jake Mclean to end the home side’s resistance.

Key Moments

2’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Meredith guides home from inside the six-yard-box with a deft volley after Carlos flicks on a Knight cross from the right.

28’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Hiroki Omori turns inside from the left touchline and drives a low shot across the face of goal, narrowly missing to the right side of the post.

45’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow turns inside from the left and hits a low shot towards the bottom right hand corner of the goal, forcing an excellent one-handed save from Matthew Tubbs.

45’+1 – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Carlos spins and fires a snapshot straight at Tubbs who saves well with his legs.

74’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Tubbs denies Luke Marsh twice and Sheriff from inside the area with a brilliant triple save.

78’ – CHANCE FOR EAGLES – A deep raking pass from the right hand side finds James Nilsen at the back post, who plays the ball back inside to Ethan McCoy who misses just over the bar with a diving header.

89’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Jake Mclean fires a free-kick straight at the wall from 25 yards out, but the ball deflects to Sheriff who coolly slots a side-footed volley into the roof of the net from six yards.

What They Said

“They caused us a lot of problems from set plays, which we anticipated. We were perhaps fortunate to get away with some of them, but cup football is all about getting through to the next round. Ultimately they can be proud of their performance and we’re through to the next round which is all that matters. On another night, their effort gets rewarded a little bit more and they were unfortunate tonight that they didn't get a goal, but we’re pleased.” – Kevin A’Herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach.

“The first 15 minutes they surprised us, we expected them to be quick but not that quick. The comment in the changing rooms at half time was that the boys felt they were chasing their shadows, but we did grow into it eventually. Strikers were the quality side, they were quicker, fitter and faster than us.” – Roger Hunter, Southside Eagles coach.

 

Match Details

 

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 - Preliminary Round 6

Wednesday, 18 May
Memorial Park, Brisbane

 

Southside Eagles FC – 0
Brisbane Strikers FC – 2

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre