Words: Nick Crockford, Moreton Bay United
Image: JG Fitzpatrick

Palm Beach Sharks moved four points clear at the top of the NPL Queensland table on Saturday night following a 4-2 win over second-placed Moreton Bay United at Wolter Park.

Jets forward Charles Mendy opened the scoring inside two minutes before Sharks took a three goal advantage into the half courtesy of Kristian Rees, Nic Mirkovic and a brace to Chris Lucas.

Alex Henderson pulled a goal back prior to the hour, but Sharks held out the host’s attack to take all three points in the top-of-the-table clash.

Jets made the perfect start as a defensive mix-up between Rees and goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas allowed Mendy to tap home the opener.

Sharks replied with Justyn McKay shooting over the bar and Mirkovic’s effort from distance deflecting wide, before Rees made amends by heading home at the back post to level terms on six minutes.

Jets spurned a chance to regain the lead shortly after when Mendy crossed for Jared Austin, who miskicked with the goal at his mercy.

The spurned chance proved costly when, on 18 minutes, Mirkovic struck his shot in off the post from the edge of the penalty area to edge Sharks ahead.

Three minutes later Sharks doubled their advantage when Riley Dillon battled through three tackles and crossed low for Lucas to slide in and score from 10 yards.

Lucas secured his brace on 34 minutes, benefitting from Vitakangas’ hurried clearance before outpacing Jets defender Matt Sauer and striking home with a low finish.

Chances continued at the other end as Jets striker Royce Brownlie, the league’s leading goalscorer, forced Vitakangas into a sharp save from close range.

Jets’ coach Terry Kirkham rang the changes at half-time sending on defender Henderson to join Brownlie and Mendy upfront.

Vitakangas produced another close range save to deny Matt Capello before substitute Henderson made the breakthrough just prior to the hour as he scrambled the ball home amidst a crowded penalty area.

Jets continued to pressure Sharks as Vitakangas twice denied Brownlie before Ryota Nagaooka struck the post and Henderson twice missed the target.

Lucas shot over the bar in search of his hat-trick before the dramatic match ended in controversy when Sharks coach Grae Piddick was sent from the bench after his side was denied a late penalty.

Moreton Bay United 2 (Charles MENDY 2’, Alex HENDERSON 57’)
Palm Beach Sharks (Kristian REES 6’, Nic MIRKOVIC 18’, Chris LUCAS 21’ 34’)