Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Steve Pitman
Images: Michele Pitman

A stunning second-half strike from Trent Clulow has secured Brisbane Strikers a hard-fought 1-0 win over Western Pride at Perry Park.

Strikers held their nerve as they were frustrated by the Pride defence through a dogged first-half before Clulow’s fifth goal of the season secured his side’s third straight league win.

The result marks a fourth straight clean sheet for Strikers in all competitions following their midweek Westfield FFA Cup triumph and consigns the second-from-last Pride to a ninth straight match without a win.

The three points also sees Strikers remain just one point behind league-leaders FNQ Heat ahead of their blockbuster meeting next weekend in Brisbane.

Key Moments

14’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKRES – Jake McLean works space to deliver a shot from 20 yards but it sails high of the target

25’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Fullback Hiroki Omori gets to the byline before drilling in a low cross for Rhys Meredith, but he pushes the finish wide at the far post

30’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – A crafty dribble and shot from Mitchell Bird from the edge of the penalty area forces Strikers goalkeeper Michael Weier to scramble but the ball safely rolls wide of the post

43’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow’s free-kick is met by the booming forehead of Greig Henslee but his effort is directed into the waiting hands of Pride goalkeeper Bon Scott

46’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Meredith touches off for Omori but his strike blazes just wide of the top corner on the angle

69’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Corey Lucas pounces on the scraps following a free kick with a thunderous volley but Weier is well positioned and holds the shot

74’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Jonti Richter’s initial shot is scrambled away by the Pride defence but only as far as Clulow who picks out the top corner with a pin-point finish on the angle

What They Said

“We were relatively comfortable (at the back) and we knew that with the class that we had, even with the tired legs, that if we had an opportunity we would take it and that was the case. Trent Clulow looked a class above tonight - (it was) a moment of brilliance.” - Greig Henslee, Brisbane Strikers FC captain

“We’ve been good in games for anywhere between seventy and eighty minutes and then there’s little spells in games where we struggle and other teams capitalise with their experience. But I think that’s the battle with the young group that we have. If you look at the hard facts we haven’t picked up any points but certainly in terms of development and progression from last week I’m pretty happy” - Graham Harvey, Western Pride FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 19

Sunday, July 31
Perry Park, Brisbane

Brisbane Strikers FC - 1 (Trent CLULOW 74’)
Western Pride FC – 0

Match Centre - http://bit.ly/2aedcwa