Words: Rob Morris & Steve Pitman
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland

Brisbane Strikers stayed on track for the NPL Queensland Finals Series after holding league-leaders Palm Beach Sharks to a nil-all draw at Mallawa Complex on Wednesday.

Neither side proved able to convert their chances in a sometimes scrappy affair that suffered for the worn and furrowed playing surface.

Genuine scoring chances were few and far between as both sides took a safety-first approach.

Sharks goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas was called into action early, producing a one-handed save to deny a Jackson Hall volley from Greg King’s well-placed cross.

Four minutes later David Chambers, returning to the Strikers starting eleven in place of injured goalkeeper Michael Turnbull, proved quick off his line to shut down a one-on-one with Sharks strikers Chris Lucas.

The hosts saw their best chances from set-pieces, however Kristian Rees, Justyn McKay and Troy Ruthven all proved unable to beat Chambers in goal.

With ten minutes remaining in the half, Matt Thurtell forced Vitakangas into action again, the goalkeeper producing a sharp low save to deny the Strikers dangerman.

Strikers sought to up the tempo after the restart, however the first opening of the second half fell for Lucas, who blazed across the face of goal.

Vitakangas saved a strike from Jheison Macuace before the unpredictable surface saw Thurtell miscue on the half volley on 53 minutes, sending his shot over the crossbar.

Sharks continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Macauce heading the ball clear off the goal line from a corner before Rees missed the target with a left footed strike from another corner soon after.

Inside the final ten minutes Vitakangas produced a sharp double save to deny Thurtell from the edge of the area and again as Strikers pounced on the rebound in the crowded penalty area.

Chambers showed quick reflexes to deny Sharks substitute Julian Matthews late in the match from another set-piece and ensure the scores remained level.

The result lifts Palm Beach nine points clear atop the standings, while Strikers remain in fourth, two points clear of Moreton Bay United in the battle for the NPL Queensland Finals Series.

Palm Beach Sharks 0
Brisbane Strikers 0