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

A lone goal from Rhys Meredith saw Brisbane Strikers edge Lions FC 1-0 in a nail-biting Westfield FFA Cup tie at Lions Stadium to advance to the national Round of 32.

Meredith delivered the decisive goal as the opening stanza drew to a close – heading in his eleventh goal of the season and second in the Westfield FFA Cup qualifying campaign.

The two former National Soccer League clubs exchanged blows throughout the second half in a typically tight cup contest, however Strikers’ defensive resilience ultimately came to the fore as they repelled a late Lions push.

The result marks a tenth clean sheet for Strikers across their past eleven games in all competitions.

They become the first Queensland club to book a third straight appearance in the national stages of the tournament and join fellow PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club Redlands United as the second and final qualifier from the Metropolitan Qualifying Zone.

Key Moments

15’ - CHANCE FOR LIONS - Strikers fail to properly clear their lines with the ball falling invitingly for Nathan Reardon but his volleyed attempt flies over the crossbar 

35’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS - Sam Knight’s pass puts Trent Clulow clear to cross low from the right and Fraser Hills, sliding into Lions’ six-yard box, just fails to get a touch 

37’ - GOAL FOR STRIKERS - Rhys Meredith leaps high to get a glancing header to Hills’ cross, that fizzes to the right of Lions goalkeeper Phil Zabaks

50’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS - fullback Hiroki Omori blazes over the top from an acute angle after being played in by Jake McLean

56’ - CHANCE FOR STIKERS - Zabaks blocks the initial shot from Meredith but Clulow is on hand for a second bite of the cherry, but sends his shot wide

59’ - CHANCE FOR LIONS - an indirect free-kick is met with a powerful header from Reardon at point blank range however Strikers goalkeeper Sebastian Usai makes a reflex save to keep the hosts out 

80’ - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS - Luke Marsh delivers a well-struck drive that is destined for the top corner before Zabaks tips the ball away with a spectacular save

85' - CHANCE FOR STRIKERS - Strikers surge forward on the counter-attack with Clulow pulling the trigger but his effort bounces back off the post

90' - CHANCE FOR LIONS - player-coach Warren Moon drives a direct free-kick straight through the Strikers wall but Usai gets his body behind the bullet to hold it cleanly.

What They Said

“Proud is the word that sums it up nicely. We knew it would be a real tough game coming here. We have the utmost respect for Lions and the way they try to play. That first goal is massive in these kind of games and we were delighted to have it. It was a good ball in from Fraser and a good head from Meredith – his goalscoring run continues and long may it continue.“ – Kevin A’herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Preliminary Round 7

Sunday, June 5
Lions Stadium, Brisbane

Lions FC – 0
Brisbane Strikers FC – 1 (Rhys MEREDITH 37’)

Match Centre - http://bit.ly/28cUi0P

Match Officials -  Trent SLEEMAN (referee), Andrew LINDSAY (assistant), Phillip TRACEY (assistant), Nathan SCOTT (fourth)