Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Steve Pitman
Images: Michele Pitman 

A stunning second half strike from Alex Janovsky has seen Moreton Bay United salvage a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park.

Both sides exchanged counter-punches throughout the see-sawing contest but ultimately proved unable to land a decisive blow.

Strikers opened accounts inside the opening quarter hour from the penalty spot via leading goalscorer Rhys Meredith but were soon on the back fought as Jets netted a quick-fire double via Taiga Ishikura and Jonathan Marraiya.

The hosts quickly levelled terms via Fraser Hills before the midfielder’s second restored Strikers’ lead just before half-time– a lead that could have been extended if not for a Meredith penalty miss in the closing stages of the half.

However, the lead again slipped from Strikers’ grasp as Janosvky secured his side a share of the points from distance midway through the second stanza with his fourth goal of the season.

The result sees the second-placed Strikers reduce FNQ Heat’s margin atop the league to three points, while Jets hold on to fifth spot on the table and move to within a point of the top four.

Key Moments

11’ - GOAL FOR STRIKERS - Rhys Meredith is brought down in Jets penalty area converts the ensuing penalty by sending Jets goalkeeper Bon Scott the wrong way from the spot

18’ – GOAL FOR JETS – Taiga Ishikura eludes the Strikers defenders as he runs across the edge of the penalty area before tucking home low shot into the bottom corner

19’ – GOAL FOR JETS – A Jets cross is punched away by Strikers goalkeeper Sebastian Usai but only as far as Jonathan Marraiya who makes no mistake with the second chance

24’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Fraser Hills picks the pocket of a Jets defender before keeping his composure to round Scott and drive in the finish to level terms

45’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Hills controls with his back to goal before spinning on a dime and guiding a curling left footed strike into the far bottom corner

54’ – CHANCE FOR JETS – Matthew Byrne’s header forces a save from Usai and Strikers scramble the ball clear

64’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Hills plays Jake McLean through on goal but the midfielder his denied by a sharp save from Scott

73’ – GOAL FOR JETS – Alex Janovsky guides in a stunning strike from 25 yards through a crowded penalty area only moments after a double save from Usai

87’ – CHANCE FOR JETS – A late chance for the visitors to steal the win however Marraya’s shot is saved by Usai at point blank range

89’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – A corner finds Greig Henslee at close range but his effort is cleared off the line by desperate Jets

What They Said

“When you miss a penalty, have one cleared off the line and have a couple of free headers, especially when you’ve scored three as well, you expect to go on and win the game. But by the same token, (Moreton Bay) have hit the post and we’ve pulled off a couple of good saves and they could have had a penalty as well. On another night that could have been 6-6” - Kevin A'herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach

“When you come to probably the best team in the league’s home ground and you go away with a point you can’t be too disappointed. Perhaps on another day we could have got the winner, but in saying that, Strikers had a chance at the end as well to win the game. At the end of the day, 3-3, and a good football game to watch - the crowd that came to watch that tonight will probably come back next week” – Adam Piddick, Moreton Bay United FC technical director

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 15

Saturday, June 25,
Perry Park, Brisbane

Brisbane Strikers FC - 3 (Rhys MEREDITH 11’p, Fraser HILLS 24’ 25’)

Moreton Bay United FC - 3 (Taiga ISHIKURA 18’, Jonathan MARRAIYA 19’, Alex JANOVSKY 73’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28ShHMR

Match Officials - Alex KING (referee), Max CRANE (assistant), Justin TEMPLE (assistant), John VASILIADIS (fourth)