Words: Sam Flanagan & Michael Flynn
Images: Patrick Kearney

Olympic FC’s mid-season revival continues to gather momentum after claiming their first capital city derby of the season – defeating Brisbane City 2-0 at Goodwin Park.

The hosts controlled much of the contest and claimed the spoils with a goal in each half – Ramone Close netting the opening midway through the opening stanza before Sam Cronin’s stunning late free-kick sealed the points.

The win extends a five match unbeaten run for Olympic, who now move to a season high seventh on the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues table.

For City, the result marks their first defeat since early April but sees them retain their hold on fourth spot in an increasingly tight finals race.

Key Moments

1’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – City almost execute a perfect trick shot from the kick off as Cartner Glockner puts the ball in the back of the net but is ruled to be offside

9’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Mitchell Hore finds space on the right hand side of the box and slides a shot past an onrushing Olympic goalkeeper Nicholas Mooney, but Kristen Waters is on hand to clear the ball off the line

21’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Kazuya Ito finds himself with time and space in the middle of the park so launches a pile driver from 25 yards, out but City goalkeeper Timothy Allen moves well and palms it away

35’- GOAL FOR OLYMPIC – Ramone Close and Matthew Heath exchange intricate passes on the edge of the area before Close finds himself in space and neatly finishes past Allen from 15 yards

39’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Danny Byrne finds Scott Bow storming into the area and the right fullback rifles a shot from 12 yards that Allen brilliantly tips over the bar

51’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Sam Cronin feeds Close who is wide open on the left edge before the striker produces a pin point cross for Heath, but the winger can only watch his volley fly over the bar from point blank range

54’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Close releases Heath through on goal with a deft touch but the number 11 blasts his shot over the bar from 12 yards

77’ – GOAL FOR OLYMPIC – Cronin blasts a suburb free kick into the top left hand corner from 30 yards out, leaving Allen no chance and effectively wrapping up the win

What They Said

“We could have been a lot better in some areas, we started off great. That was never offside (early disallowed goal) and that probably rattled us a little bit but you’ve got to deal with those things. We started making poor decisions and turning the ball over and that allowed them to get back in the game.” – John Kosmina, Brisbane City FC coach

“It was excellent, week after week we’re winning and we’re showing the determination and willingness to play. We played the ball well and we wanted it more and that’s what got us the result. (Coach) Terry (Kirkham)’s willingness to win has rubbed off on us.” – Ramone Close, Olympic FC striker

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 14

Tuesday, June 21
Goodwin Park, Brisbane

Olympic FC - 2 (Ramone CLOSE 35’, Sam CRONIN 77’ )
Brisbane City FC - 0

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/1YvR2JB

Match Officials - Ben COOK (referee), Drew NINNES (assistant), Jake BEITH (assistant), John VASILIADIS (fourth)