Strikers Down Rivals, Move To Third
Words & Image: Emily Wilson, Sunshine Coast Fire
Brisbane Strikers recorded their fifth straight NPL Queensland win on Sunday, overcoming traditional rivals Sunshine Coast Fire 1-0 at Stockland Stadium.
Strikers twice struck the crossbar in the tightly contested match but ultimately claimed the points courtesy of Keenan Duimpies 22nd minute penalty strike.
Fire started strongly with striker Ryan Delahunty going close to an early opener inside two minutes.
Ten minutes later, Jheison Macauce rounded several Fire defenders with a solid run and forced Fire goalkeeper Sam Nickolls into a save from a tight angle.
Soon after, Matt Thurtell intercepted a pass on the edge of the Fire penalty area but the Strikers forward’s chipped attempt was denied by the crossbar.
The visitors efforts were rewarded on 22 minutes when Thurtell was felled in the area, allowing Duimpies to slot home from the subsquent spot kick.
Fire increased pressure and limited Striker’s chances, however on 36 minutes Scott Coulson took a 25-yard free kick destined for the top corner, only for Nickolls to palm it away.
Chances continued to favour Strikers immediately after the restart as Thurtell missed the target three times in four minutes – including blazing over the bar from six yards.
Fire forged chances mid way through the second half, as Delahunty headed over from corner on the hour and Wade Zammit’s cross just eluded Futa Nakamura six minutes later.
Both sides saw opportunities to alter the score line in the final stages – Greg King striking the crossbar for Strikers while Fire’s James Verdin and Matt Needham spurned chances to level terms in the final minutes.
The result lifts Strikers into third place in the NPL Queensland standings, while Fire remain mired in tenth position.
Sunshine Coast Fire 0
Brisbane Strikers 1 (Keenan DUIMPIES 22’)
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