Words: Michael Flynn

Brisbane Strikers continued their impressive pre-season form with a solid 3-0 win over Logan Lightning in the BLK Silver Boot on Tuesday.

A first-half goal from Fraser Hills edged Strikers ahead of their Brisbane Premier League opponents at the half before Jesse Wiemers and Shaun Carlos closed out the result in the second stanza.

An even first-half provided scoring opportunities for both sides before Strikers increasingly took control to seal their fourth straight win of the pre-season.

Lightning fashioned the first clear-cut chance of the contest when Philip Randal snuck in behind the Strikers’ backline only to be denied by a sharp save from Michael Weier.

Hills replied with the opener prior to the quarter hour – working a sharp give-and-go with Shaun Carlos before delivering a left-footed finish past onrushing Lightning goalkeeper Douglas Blaikie.

Weier was once more up to task midway through the half as he blocked an effort from Matthew Lyell, while Chris Maher spurned the chance to double Strikers’ lead immediately prior to the break when his angled attempt found the side-netting.

Strikers threatened to double their advantage only minutes after the restart when Trent Clulow shifted a sharp pass for Wiemers, who saw his driven attempt deflect onto the post.

However, after the hour Wiemers broke through for his second goal of the tournament – converting with a well-placed free-kick after Maher had been felled outside the box.

Despite continuing to threaten Strikers had to wait until the final minutes to wrap up the result when Carlos headed in at the back post from Clulow’s cross.

There were further chances for both sides but the woodwork again came in to play – Jamie Saul seeing his long-range attempt hit the crossbar for Lightning while Hills was denied a second by the post.

The win marks a second straight clean-sheet for Strikers in the tournament.

Strikers continue their pre-season preparations against Brisbane Premier League outfit Mitchelton FC next Tuesday – a draw will be enough to see them advance to the Semi-Final stage of the competition as group winners.

BLK Silver Boot 2016 – Group A
Tuesday, January 26
Lions Stadium, Brisbane

Logan Lightning FC  0
Brisbane Strikers FC  3 (Fraser HILLS 13’, Jesse WIEMERS 62’, Shaun CARLOS 86’)