Words: Michael Flynn

Brisbane Strikers concluded their pre-season preparations on Thursday night with a 1-1 draw with Palm Beach SC at Perry Park.

Chris Maher opened accounts for the hosts inside the opening five minutes before Roman Hofmann levelled terms for Sharks just after the quarter hour.

Plenty of chances were on offer for both sides as the wet conditions made for an open and entertaining pre-season match.

Trent Clulow proved a handful throughout the contest and spurned an early chance to put Strikers two ahead inside the opening ten minutes

For Sharks, Eoghan Murphy volleyed inches over the crossbar midway through the first half before Josh Riis went close to edging the visitors ahead with an attempt just prior to the interval.

Both teams proved more circumspect following the restart, however further goal-scoring opportunities manifested in the final stages.

Clulow won possession in midfield before driving his shot just wide of the post from 20 yards before Luke Marsh also sent his shot wide of the target.

Murphy also tested Strikers goalkeeper Michael Turnbull with a well-struck effort, while Clulow called up on Sharks goalkeeper Ryan Meskell to produce a telling save after finding the target with a late strike.

Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said he thought the signs were good for Strikers in their final pre-season hit-out.

“I’m reasonably pleased to be honest. Particularly the way we started the game with real determination to get on the front foot straight away.”

A’herne-Evans added, “It was a really even game. On another night we could’ve got a positive result and they’re probably thinking the same. A draw is probably a fair result.”

Brisbane Strikers FC  1 (Chris MAHER 4’)
Palm Beach SC  1 (Roman HOFMANN 17’)