Strikers 3(Laybutt 50, Rose
53, Roche 74) Olympic 0
In a game which featured so many
former Brisbane players in the Sydney camp, it was most appropriate that the
opening goal was scored by Steve Laybutt, who returned to the Strikers this
season from Olympic Sharks.
Following a foul by Wayne Srhoj on the Strikers left wing, Peter Grierson sent a
high cross along the 6 yard line, where Laybutt had joined the line of Strikers
attackers (Rech, Roche, McLaren) at the far post. Bolton chose to stay on his
line and Laybutt headed the ball past him into the net. This was less than 5
minutes after the restart.
In the first half Brisbane and Olympic shared the possession about evenly,
although Olympic had been far more penetrative in their attacks, forcing a
series of sharp reaction saves from Kearton, and missing the target on several
occasions. The Sharks were not playing with the flare and skill which has helped
them turn the competition into a two horse race, and this may well give the
remaining teams hope that the gap at the top can be closed.
The midfield battle was between old mates, with McLaren and Harris matching
muscle (and hips and elbows) on a couple of occasions, and with Grierson and
Srhoj displaying their skills and tactical nouse. Ishida was giving Heath some
problems down the Sharks left wing, and the Strikers' marking was causing
Kearton some grief in the centre of the park, allowing Milicic, Srhoj and Harris
to threaten the goal. One shot from Wayne Srhoj early in the half looked goal
bound, but Kearton got down and back to collect it safely.
At the other end, Roche was holding the ball well, attracting the attention of
two defenders, and looking for assistance, and Stefanutto, in his hundredth game
in the NSL (all for the Strikers) had two attempts on goal following some
exciting overlaps on the left.
Those who had been close to the first half display of keeping by Kearton were in
for an even greater treat In the second half. Grierson, Pilic and Rech took
control of the midfield and Olympic were beaten for pace, on both wings and
through the centre. Whereas Olympic were reduced to shooting from great distance
almost throughout the half, the Strikers seemed able to launch attacks at will
and create opportunities anywhere in the penalty area.
The Strikers faithful were treated to one turn by Anthony Roche on the edge of
the penalty area which enabled him to hit a stunning shot past a stationary
Bolton (a sight so rare to Brisbane eyes that the crowd commented on it) and
against the corner of the goal frame.
Only five minutes after Laybutt's delicious goal, young Josh Rose found himself
free in the penalty area with the opportunity to slot the ball, from about ten
yards, in to the base of the post. 2-0 after 54 minutes, and the Strikers' party
started.
There was a series of attacks
which cut through the Olympic defence, creating chances for Strikers players who
seemed able to lose defenders at will, and in the 78th minute Roche got his
richly deserved goal. His ability to draw defenders creates more space for
Fernando in the attack. When Fernando has only one player marking him, his
speed, skill and strength cause havoc in the best organised defences. In the
second half, the Sharks' defence did not look well organised.
Strikers have now beaten Glory
and drawn with them, lost to Sharks in Sydney, and beaten them at home, a record
which bodes well for a final series in which the handicapper will get it all
wrong, giving advantage to the teams which have qualified best. Otherwise a ten
match competition which gives a start to the best teams does not promise too
much excitement!
Sharks were ahead by a nose at half time. Strikers by a country mile at
full time!
Squads
