Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Alberto Perez/Moreton Bay United FC

A hat-trick from Stephen Green helped Moreton Bay United edge closer to a maiden league title following a 4-0 win over Northern Fury at Wolter Park on Saturday night.

Green delivered his haul in an extraordinary eight minute blitz to close the first half, adding to Matthew Capello’s earlier opener.

The win moves Jets three points clear of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Premiership rivals Brisbane Strikers, who play on Sunday, and expands their goal difference advantage to seven goals.

The result also officially ends Northern Fury’s faint hopes of a first-ever Finals Series appearance and extends the club’s record of never beating Jets in six PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland meetings.

Jets dominated the contest for extended periods and were never truly threatened by Fury.

The hosts fashioned their first clear-cut chance on the quarter hour, however Fury goalkeeper Daniel Wilesmith proved alert to rush out and shut-down Charles Mendy.

Wilesmith was tested again by a header from Alex Henderson before the hosts found the opener midway through the half - Capello delivering a pin-point free-kick into the top corner from an acute angle for his second goal of the campaign.

Ten minutes later, Capello turned provider to allow to Green double the advantage - the attacker heading strongly into the top corner courtesy of a well-timed run.

Jets proved relentless as Royce Brownlie saw a shot saved by Wilesmith before Jayke Cuschieri shot wide from a corner.

The hosts added their third five minutes from half-time after Jackson Hall played through Green, whose shot found the back of the net despite taking a touch from Wilesmith.

Green then wrapped up the points in the final minute of the half by pouncing on a fumble from Wilesmith - the goal marking his first-ever PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland hat-trick and taking his season tally to five goals.

Fury sought to get back into the contest in the second half with Jonathon Bagley calling upon Jets goalkeeper Luke Borean for the first time shortly after the restart.

Jets remained dominant but spurned the chance to add a fifth just prior to the hour - Brownlie earning a penalty in contesting a header, however striking the post from the subsequent spot-kick.

Green also continued to threaten but was denied a club record equallying fourth goal by a sharp low save from Wilesmith.

The hosts maintained their momentum but were ultimately unable to add to the score - Brownlie and Cushchieri failing to make the most of their attempts midway through the second stanza.

While Wilesmith also did his utmost to prevent a further blow-out by tipping clear a free-kick from Mendy in the closing minutes.

The scoreline also marks a fifth clean sheet of the 2015 campaign for Borean and keeps him in the hunt for this year's Safe Hands Award as the competition's premier shot-stopper.

Speaking post-match, Jets coach Adam Piddick said despite his side’s final match of the season against the winless SWQ Thunder next weekend his side will take nothing for granted in the Premiership race.

“Football’s a funny game and if you get ahead of yourself you will fall in a heap quickly,” Piddick said.

Fury coach Ian Ferguson his side fell victim to a slow start and a rampant Jets outfit.

“The way we started the game was very disappointing. We were second best to everything, we didn’t win any second balls, our ball movement was really slow,” Ferguson said.

Moreton Bay United FC  4 (Matthew CAPELLO 27’, Stephen GREEN 37’ 40’ 45+1’)
Northern Fury FC  0