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The Marconi Stallions trashed the
Brisbane Strikers’ proud unbeaten Perry Park record last night with a
2-0 victory achieved with a workmanlike display over a strangely subdued
home side.
Two second half goals - the first in the sixty-sixth minute to Brad
Maloney, who tucked away a rebound after Brisbane goalkeeper Scott Higgins
had produced a superb double save, the second to Nick Carle three minutes
from the end, left the Strikers and their supporters with that unfamiliar
empty feeling.
Few home supporters would deny, though, that the Stallions were worth the
three points tonight, as they were the more positive and penetrative side
in a match played in stifling late afternoon heat. The Strikers, however,
produced a flat performance which lacked a sense of purpose and a cutting
edge. If they are honest with themselves, they will admit it was a
disappointing way to lose that home record.
With the other NSL match tonight resulting in a 2-0 win for Sydney United
over Newcastle United, the Strikers now find themselves just two points
ahead of Sydney United (who have a game in hand), and with Marconi joining
a chasing pack for the top six. That makes this Wednesday night’s replay
at Perry Park of last week’s abandoned match against Sydney United
possibly the most crucial match in the Strikers’ season to date.
Brisbane supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that their boys
can put last night’s performance firmly behind them and dig deep for a
result on Wednesday.
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Brisbane Strikers 0 (0)
v
Marconi Stallions 2 (0)
Scorers: Brad Maloney (66'), Nick Carle (87')
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