Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Simon Smale
Image: Chris Simpson

Brisbane City’s finals hopes are back on track after notching a solid 3-1 win over Western Pride at Corporate Travel Management Stadium.

The sides exchanged early counter-punches as Carter Glockner’s maiden PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues goal was cancelled out by Maxime Hoppenot prior to half-time.

However, City regained control instantly after the restart as Glockner netted his second before Samuel Sibatuara wrapped up the result in the closing stages.

The win halts a two match losing run for City and moves the club back to fifth on the table - and could yet move to fourth depending on Redlands United’s returns on Sunday.

For Pride, the result marks a sixth match without a win and extends their record of never taking a point against City in the capital.

Key Moments

12’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Samuel Sibatuara crosses from the right but it’s too high for Nathan Bird and the ball flashes across the face of goal

15’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Sibatuara crosses to the back post where Carter Glockner delivers a strong headed finish to open accounts

23’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Joseph Duckworth tries his luck from 25 yards out with a stinging drive that flies wide of the post

28’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Mitchell Bird chases down a through ball into the box but the covering challenge from Kai Smith sees the ball loom dangerously towards goal before behind turned behind by City goalkeeper Timothy Allen

29’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE - Maxime Hoppenot rises highest from a corner on the right hand side, sending a looping header just under the crossbar.

35’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Glockner crosses to Mitchell Hore at the edge of the penalty area but his shot flies high over crossbar

48’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Bird plays in Sibatuara down the right, who then crosses back across goal for Glockner to slot home his second

55’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Maxime Hoppenot is played through on goal but hesitates before pulling the trigger allowing Kai Barnes time to get a block on the shot

72’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Jason Park creates space down the left before picking out Glockner at the back post, but his shot is straight at Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short

76’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Park again threatens on the left before cutting back to Bird on the edge of the area but he fires his shot over the crossbar

78’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Park cuts inside before firing in a low strike that deflects just past the post

79’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Park and Bird combine in the middle before the ball squirts out to Sibatuara who sees his shot take a deflection that gets the better of Short

89’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Jesse Rigby lines up a free-kick but his firmly struck effort fades wide of the target

What They Said

We threw three points away last week at the Sunshine Coast and then at least a point, if not three against Olympic on the Tuesday night so we needed to bounce back and we’ve done that so we stay in touch with the people ahead of us. Sammy (Sibatuara) was good tonight, he was aggressive, he was direct, he got in behind, he kept the ball well, it was a good all-round performance. He’s shown a bit of form.” – John Kosmina, Brisbane City FC coach

“I don't think we had our best game tonight. I don't think we were at our worst but we weren't at our best. We probably didn't deserve much out of the game. We keep conceding from the same mistakes, so we need to address that as a group, but also as individuals as well because in terms of these young lads and their development if you keep making the same mistakes that’s when problems with their development occur.” – Graham Harvey, Western Pride FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 16

Saturday, July 2
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane

Brisbane City FC – 3 (Carter GLOCKNER 15’ 48’, Samuel SIBATUARA 79’)
Western Pride FC – 1 (Maxime HOPPENOT29’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29fjSgp

Match Officials – Matthew SKINNER (referee), Benjamin ORWELL (assistant), James MAINEY (assistant), Cameron FAWCETT (fourth)