Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Toby Crockford
Image: Moreton Bay United FC

Brisbane Strikers have ended Moreton Bay United’s 12-month unbeaten home record – and secured their first three points of 2016 - following a 3-1 win at Wolter Park.

The visitors held a two goal advantage at half-time following a dominant first half, however were forced to weather a concerted fightback from Jets in the second half to seal the win.

Rhys Meredith’s opener was complemented by an own goal for Strikers in the opening stanza, before Shaun Carlos sealed the win just after the hour with his maiden PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues goal.

Defender Scott Stewart headed in the consolation for the hosts - his second of the season.

The win provides Strikers supporter’s some solace for last year’s Grand Final defeat at the same venue, but 

Despite the result Jets still remain second in the league standings heading into the Easter break, while Strikers move back into the top half of the table for the first time since the opening round.

Key Moments

4’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Midfielder Alex Janovsky tries a left-foot curling shot from 25 yards which skims the top of the net

10’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Shaun Carlos blasts high over the Jets crossbar from close range

19’ - GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Rhys Meredith is put through by Trent Clulow and beats Jets goalkeeper Matthew Stein from the edge of the box with a clinical finish

20’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Jonathan Marraiya plays in Taiga Ishikura who takes one touch and hits the outside of the Strikers post from close range.

27’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Taiga Ishikura crosses for Liam Previtera to flick on at the near post, but his effort is saved by Strikers goalkeeper Sebastian Usai.

40’ - GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Trent Clulow breaks down the right, crosses low and Jets’ Sebastian Kalos at full stretch puts in to his own goal from 8 yards

51’ - GOAL FOR JETS – Defender Scott Stewart rises high to head home Alex Janovsky’s free-kick.

60’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Royce Brownlie volleys wide from close range after being picked out by pin-point cross from Raymond Schultz

63’ - GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Strikers’ quick break down their right leads to a scramble in the Jets goalmouth and Shaun Carlos steers it in from close range

71’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Jake McLean tries his luck from 20 yards but Matthew Stein tips his shot over the bar

73’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Rhys Meredith is the next to chance his hand from distance but again Matthew Stein tips over the bar

80’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Reyze Kelly breaks and crosses but Royce Brownlie heads his effort wide

81’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Royce Brownlie chests the ball down to Jonathan Marraiya to strike from 18 yards but it fizzes just over the crossbar

What They Said

“The difference between the first half and second half was like night and day. In the first half we were a little bit unenthused by the Strikers – we didn’t defend well and we didn’t make the right decisions and it cost us.” – Dave Harris, Moreton Bay United FC coach

“It’s such a big result because we know not many teams are going to come here and get three points. With the start that we had (to the season) it is crucial we didn’t lose touch with Jets, and with Cairns and Redlands, who have had a good start as well. It’s a big, big three points for us.” – Kevin A’herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 4
Saturday, 19 March
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay

Brisbane Strikers FC 3 defeat Moreton Bay United FC 1

Moreton Bay United FC

Goals – Scott STEWART 51’
Yellow cards – Jonathan MARRAIYA 23’, Royce BROWNLIE 76’, Jacob FULLUCK 90’
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Matthew STEIN, 2. Reyze KELLY, 3. Scott STEWART, 4. Matthew BYRNE, 6. Liam PREVITERA, 7. Jordan FARINA, 10. Joey MASUDA (9. Royce BROWNLIE 46’), 12. Sebastian KALOS (5. Raymond SCHULTZ 44’), 14. Alex JANOVSKY, 15. Taiga ISHIKURA (16. Jacob FULLUCK 70’), 18. Jonathan MARRAIYA
Unused – 8. Matthew CAPELO, 20. Xander GWYNN-JONES

Brisbane Strikers FC

Goals – Rhys MEREDITH 19’, own goal 40’, Shaun CARLOS 63’
Yellow cards – Rhys MEREDITH 52’, Alistair DAVIS 85’, Sam KNIGHT 89’
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Sebastian USAI, 2. Christopher MAHER, 4. Jake MARSHALL, 5. Greig HENSLEE, 7. Shelford DAIS, 8. Michael ANGUS, 9. Rhys MEREDITH (10. Alistair DAVIS 85’), 12. Shaun CARLOS (6. Fraser HILLS 90’), 13. Sam KNIGHT, 15. Jesse WIEMERS (14. Jake MCLEAN 54’), 18. Trent CLULOW
Unused – 3. Tomas ROSS, 20. Michael WEIER

Match officials – Adam KERSEY (referee), James SHERRY (assistant), Brad BURTON (assistant), Ben COOK (fourth)