9-Man GCC Hold Off Strikers
Words: Tristram Peters
Additional Reporting: Thibault Berthier
Images: Sportspics
Gold Coast City have prevailed 4-2 against the Brisbane Strikers after going down to 9 men at Runaway Bay Sports Centre on Saturday night.
Strikers hit the lead early through a Jake Mclean volley, but City hit back soon after through Jarrod Kyle, who headed home from the back post. Martin Vazquez then pushed City ahead before the stroke of halftime following a goalmouth scramble.
Michael Lee’s volley helped the visitors back into the match following resumption of play, but Vazquez’s second saw City again hit the lead, which they never surrendered.
City had to defend stoutly after Jarrod Kyle and Eoghan Murphy were red carded, but keeper Ryan Meskell produced a number of outstanding saves to help City secure the victory.
City will seek to continue their impressive start to the season when they travel away to Redlands next weekend, while the Strikers host Sunshine Coast.
Key Moments
11’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Jake Mclean rockets his volley into the roof of the net giving the Strikers an early lead.
15’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Jarrod Kyle rises high at the back post to head home and equalise for City.
45’ – GOAL FOR CITY – A goalmouth scramble falls to Martin Vazquez at the top of the box whose low, driven effort gives City the lead on the stroke of half time.
53’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – A deflected Michael Lee volley finds its way into the back of the net, restoring parity for Strikers.
57’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Vazquez rises high and sends his looping header high over Zac Speedy and into the back of the net.
61’ – RED CARD FOR CITY – Jarrod Kyle receives his second yellow card after elbowing his marker while competing for a header.
87’ – RED CARD FOR CITY – Eoghan Murphy becomes the second City player sent off after receiving a second yellow for dissent.
90’ – GOAL FOR CITY - Nik Mirkovic produces a mazy run through the Strikers defence before slamming the ball into the top corner to seal the result for City.
Match Details
PlayStation 4 Premier Leagues Queensland 2017 – Round 5
Saturday 25 March
Runaway Bay Sports Centre, Gold Coast
Gold Coast City FC 4 (Jarrod KYLE 15’, Martin VAZQUEZ 45’ 57’, Nik MIRKOVIC 90’)
Brisbane Strikers FC 2 (Jake MCLEAN 11’, Michael LEE 53’)
Referee – Trent SLEEMAN
Assistant – Joseph LEE
Assistant – Bradley BURTON
Fourth Official – Sam OSBORNE
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