City Continue Spencer Park Dominance
Words: Nunzio Vitulano, Brisbane City
Image: Frank De Luca, Brisbane City
Brisbane City returned to the top of the NPL Queensland table on Friday night with a tenacious 3-1 victory over a fast-paced Western Pride at Spencer Park in Brisbane.
City’s young guns proved the difference as the hosts maintained their perfect home record this season at the Newmarket ground.
Nick Buckley and Chris Toovey scoring the opening two goals before Jarrod Kyle sealed the result late in the match.
Pride striker Peter Drager scored a consolation for the visitors from the penalty spot early in the second half.
The match started at a frantic pace as Pride produced an early chance immediately following the kick-off.
However, it was City who took their first chance when Buckley slotted his shot home on two minutes.
Both sides continued to create chances, but it was City that doubled their advantage just prior to the half hour when Toovey struck a belting shot from 15 yards.
Pride played their way back into the contest with a series of crisp and accurate passes, forcing City goalkeeper Matt Stein into action on several occasions.
City maintained their advantage until the break, but Drager posted Pride’s first score of the match soon after the restart from the penalty spot following a handball in the penalty area.
Pride were determined to reel in the hosts, and started to take control of the contest before City coach Glen Volker reacted by introducing dynamic midfielder Young Jae Joo, who made an immediate impact.
The contest intensified with five minutes remaining as City were reduced to ten men when Italian hard man Luca Perico received his second yellow card and was ordered from the field.
However, substitute Jarrod Kyle put the result beyond doubt with well taken goal in the final minute of regulation time.
The win sees City return to the top of the NPL Queensland table, although other results may see them return to the pack by round’s end.
Pride remain without a win after seven rounds of the season, and remain ahead of fellow strugglers SWQ Thunder on goal difference.
Brisbane City 3 (Nick BUCKLEY 2’, Chris TOOVEY 28’, Jarrod KYLE 90’)
Western Pride 1 (Peter DRAGER 48’)
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.