Words: Steve Pitman, Brisbane Strikers
Image: Ian Judd, Aqua PD

Brisbane Strikers overcame a three-match NPL Queensland losing streak to defeat Harimau Muda ‘A’ 3-0 at Perry Park on Sunday.

Matt Thurtell opened accounts in the sixth minute before second half goals to Jackson Hall and Jheison Macauce rounded out the result for the hosts.

Strikers dominated much of the first half and Thurtell’s opener came courtesy of a thirty yard pass from fullback Scot Coulson that allowed the Strikers forward to head over Harimau Muda goalkeeper Mohd Farhan Abu Bakar.

Further chances fell to the hosts as Greg King lashed a volley against the crossbar before midfielder Macauce forced Abu Bakar into a save with his feet.

Shortly after the interval young winger Hall spectacularly beat the Malaysian shot-stopper from eighteen yards when he struck into the top left corner of the goal.

Harimau Muda stepped up their efforts and pinned a tiring Strikers side back in their own half for long periods – the hosts midweek Football Queensland Cup win against Ipswich Knights taking its toll on the hosts.

However, Strikers remained stubborn in defence as centre halves David Salin and Jason Shade, assisted by a starring performance from defensive midfielder Dan Patridge, repelled several visitors attacks.

Strikers goalkeeper David Chambers denied a header from Harimau Muda forward Moh Faizat Mohamad Ghazli, before Macauce sealed the result in the final minutes when he lobbed Abu Bakar.

Speaking post match, Strikers coach Chay Hews acknowledged his side’s efforts in turning around the early season form slump amidst a heavy workload.

“They deserved it today in my opinion”, said Hews.“You could see them really start to tire towards the end and they just dug deep.”

“It wasn’t pretty but you could see they had that determination there to try and make sure they finished the game with the lead, and they did it,” he added.

Brisbane Strikers 3 (Matt THURTELL 6, Jackson HALL 47’, Jheison MACAUCE 89’)
Harimau Muda ‘A’ 0