Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting & Images: Paul Smith

A four goal second half rampage has helped guide Brisbane Strikers to a come-from-behind 5-1 win over SWQ Thunder at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

Thunder lead the contest midway through the first-half via Lachlan Atkinson’s opener but the sides went into the half all square courtesy of Fraser Hills’ equaliser for Strikers.

However, the second half firmly belonged to the visitors with Rhys Meredith’s brace complemented by further goals to Hiroko Omori and Luke Marsh.

The win extends Strikers undefeated run to six matches and maintains the pressure on league leaders FNQ Heat.

For Thunder, the result marks a fourth straight defeat and continues their record of never having defeated Strikers in six attempts.

Key Moments

8’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – A lob from the left edge of the box picks out Rees Duncan, but his strike is delivered straight at Thunder goalkeeper Luke Borean.

14’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow lobs an inviting ball over the defence for Rhys Meredith, but he is unable to direct his shot past Borean

26’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER – Lachlan Atkinson takes possession outside the penalty area following a corner before scooting in a low strike through the traffic to open accounts.

37’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Clulow’s cross evades Meredith but amidst the scramble is pounced on by Fraser Hills, who pokes home at the back post

49’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – A failed clearance sees Meredith win possession amidst a scramble and he guides the ball across the line ahead of a lunging Thunder defence

63’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Hills gets around Rowan Salomon before teeing up Hiroki Omori to slot home the finish

69’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Hills again threatens but sees his initial shot stopped by Borean but the rebound falls kindly for Meredith to capitalise on the second chance and bring up his brace

84’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Greig Henslee heads a corner back in front of goal to Luke Marsh who accepts the invitation to put the ball away in the top right corner of the goal

What They Said

“We came out with a game plan that was a little bit different than our normal structure and the scoreboard showed we were in the game. But in the second half the highlights reel will show that there were three or four lads that didn’t work hard enough in areas of the paddock that ring alarm bells when you have to win the ball back or put a toe in.“ – Chris McLeod, SWQ Thunder FC coach

“We went a goal behind and it’s the third time in the past three games we’ve had to show a bit of character and respond the right way. A little bit better execution potentially in the first half could’ve seen us up at the half-time interval but it wasn’t to be. We know it’s always difficult when we come here. So it was important that we chased that second goal early in the second half. And then we knew our opportunities would come from there.”  – Kevin A’herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 16

Saturday, July 2
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba

SWQ Thunder FC – 1 (Lachlan ATKINSON 26’)
Brisbane Strikers FC – 5 (Fraser HILLS 37’, Rhys MEREDITH 49’ 69’, Hiroki OMORI 63’, Luke MARSH 84’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29kzA7Q

Match Officials – Nathan MCDONALD (referee), Joshua EISER (assistant), Thomas CARROLL (assistant), Nathan SCOTT (fourth)